THE WAIMATE SILOS

The silos of Waimate dominated the skyline as we motored into the town. I was excited to see them. These were the silos built by my great-grandfather Robert Nicol. There’s a bit of a story because Robert was not remembered in a good way by the town.

Robert came first to Naseby, New Zealand in the 1970’s as a young man from Scotland via Canada on the urge of his cousin who lived there, possibly to work in his flour mill. In time he moved to Waimate and in 1890, opened his own flour mill. In 1920 he went to Canada to learn a new method of building silos. He returned to Waimate, encouraging the local famers to invest. The silos were built, all four grouped in a chamber-like configuration. A huge amount of concrete meant they would last forever. Unfortunately, that also meant they would take years to dry in order to be effective and consequently the wheat spoiled. The farmers not only lost their money but also their grain. Finally in 1969 the silos were used. Now they stand, with beautifully painted murals, an iconic landmark.

I think old Robert would be pleased to see his silos now have a respected place in his beloved town.

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