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DIEHL - Like a Phoenix from the ashes...

The mill stood unoccupied for several years until it was acquired by John Hutton and David Hewton who undertook renovation. In February 1902 it was bought by the Phoenix Biscuit Company of Dunedin who operated there until 1939. After that, Mr Charlie Morris, former manager for Phoenix kept the mill going for the production of poultry feed, but in 1958 the mill and adjoining land totalling 31 acres was sold to the Boy Scouts Association. Mr Morris continued to occupy the manager's cottage until 1969 when it was bought by Bernard Esquilant and William Menlove who undertook the radical conversion to a restaurant and accommodation. The new 'Mill House Restaurant' was opened July 8, 1970. It has since been renovated again and is operated by Alan and Joy McQueen who have been very helpful in providing valuable information and photographs for this family history.

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