REMOVING A FLOUR MILL. A novel experiment was last week witnesses in this neighbourhood in the removal of a wind flour mill, with all its fittings, from Westacre to
Clenchwarton, a distance of about 16 miles. Some time since, a man named William Cranfield, residing at
Clenchwarton, purchased the mill and was desirous of having it moved to that place. The mill, a wooden structure, which, with its machinery was of enormous weight, stood upon wheels, and after some consideration it was determined to endeavour to draw it along the road by a traction engine. One or two ineffectual attempts were thus made to move the mill, the engines being used not being of sufficient strength, and it was then decided to procure a powerful steam cultivation engine, and this proved more successful. In ascending a hill the engine proceeded to the summit and then pulled the mill up with the chain used for cultivating purposes, and its removal from Westacre to
Clenchwarton occupied nearly three days. Several trees along the route received a pruning, whilst in crossing the Great Eastern Railway at Walton gatehouse the telegraph wire were broken. On arrival at the Freebridge, spanning the Ouse, it was deemed prudent to allow the engine and mill to pass over separately. Accordingly, the engine crossed first and then pulled the mill over by means of the chains, its enormous weight putting the old bridge to a test. Of course a good deal of curiosity was excited as the mill passed through the various villages along the route, the inhabitants flocking en masse to witness it, whilst at
Clenchwarton its arrival was received with quite a demonstration.