Histories

Chamberlain Bros. Thomas Richard and Edward Herbert Chamberlain, Flourmillers, Cornelius Roller Flourmill, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Chamberlain, Feilding.” P.O. Box 25. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business was established about the year 1897, by the father of the present proprietors, and at the present time, 1897, has a very large connection, supplying most of the stores in the district, besides outside orders. In 1893 the mill was converted from the old style into a steam-roller flourmill, the machinery and appointments now being most complete. The machinery embraces a Cornelius internal roller, two corrugated rollers, four smooth rollers, one purifyer, six dressing-machines, and two smut machines. The plant is driven by a twelve-horse-power steam-engine. The motto of the firm is “Ne Plus Ultra,” and the premises are built on freehold land. The building is a three-story one, seventy feet by thirty feet, roofed with iron; the older portion was erected by Mr. Mitchell, but Messrs. Chamberlain Bros, have made considerable additions. Mr. Thomas Richard Chamberlain, the senior partner of the firm, was born in 1862 at Masterton, where he was educated. After twelve months in a butcher's establishment, he went to Rangitikei and worked at the Oroua Bridge, of which his father was the overseer. On the conclusion of this work he managed his father's business in Feilding, Mr. Chamberlain's father was mayor of Feilding for twelve months, having been in the Borough Council several years previously. In local politics Mr. Chamberlain served three years in the council; he was also a member of the Manchester Rifles. The mill of Messrs. Chamberlain Bros. is one of the best-managed concerns in the district, everything being turned out in first-class style, and reflecting great credit on the enterprising proprietors.