Kōrero: Manawatū and Horowhenua region

These men are cutting flax in the Makerua swamp, for processing at the Miranui flax mill near Shannon, in 1917. Owned by the Seifert brothers, Miranui (Māori for ‘big mill’) operated from 1907 to 1933, and was the largest in the district. At its peak there were seven stripping machines and 300 men employed. Compared to other mills, Miranui had excellent labour relations.