Welland History .ca

Historic EVENTS in and around Welland

THE RACETRACK COMPLETED

And Messrs Brown Bros. are ready to turn on the Water

[Welland Telegraph, 12 June 1891]

Messrs. Brown Bros. have completed their government contract of extending the raceway 650 feet from the water works to their mill, and the work has been one of considerable magnitude to be finished in 7 weeks in the face of much adverse weather. The excavation and clay work has been under the supervision of Mr. Jas. Walker, is pronounced first class in all particulars, and only awaits passing by the inspector, when the small piece of earth which dams the water out will be removed, and the full benefit of the work will be realized. The banks are about 10 feet from the bottom, and mostly built up, at the lower end the found being so low that it was necessary to fill in considerable, and to accomplish this it was necessary to cart to the place of operation about 4,000 cubic yards of earth, some 700 more than the contract called for. It is a substantial piece of work, and will result in a great saving to Messrs. Brown Bros., whose annual fuel bill heretofore has amounted to over $1,200. A 72 foot flume carries the water to the penstock or wheel house, with a fall of 16 feet, and discharges into a 100 foot tail race. Mr. Jacob Ryan has had charge of the mill wright work, and the satisfaction expressed by the Messrs. Brown is an evidence that he has performed his duties after the pattern of a master mechanic. The mill will be run a by a new American turbine wheel, similar to the one used at the pump house, and the driving belt connects with the same pulley as was used for the engine, which is to be retained in case of accidents to the wheel or in the event of the water temporarily being shut off. Of course the introduction of water power does not increase the capacity of the mill, which is a 6 double roll one, but it is a source of much economy, and enables the firm to compete with the largest mills of the country. They have already an established reputation for producing some of the finest brands of flour, and with competition even they ask no special advantage over rivals. The extension of the raceway has been to them an expense considerably above the contract price, and the push and enterprise which the firm has manifested in the matter is worthy of commendation, while Welland is to be congratulated on the fact of their residences within its corporation.

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