Jermyn's chaff mill

Jermyn's chaff mill operated in Redan until 1922.

Vince Jermyn operated the chaff mill, location currently unidentified, but described as being both Sebastopol and Redan.

The owner, E. V. Jermyn was fined for selling adulterated chaff in July 1915: MIXED CHAFF. E. V. Jermyn was charged under section 9 of the Chaff and Stock Food Act, 1909 with unlawfully preparing for sale mixed chaff. Mr J. W. K. Freeman, assistant Crown Solicitor, prosecuted, and Mr F. R. Coldham defended. Charles Taylor, an officer of the Department of Agriculture, said he visited defendant's chaff mills at Sebastopol on 28th May, and found mixed chaff being prepared. He sent for defendant, who said he was mixing it for a man who had ordered about 10 or 12 bags, and was waiting outside to take it home. Witness said it was a pity he did not give him hay chaff and straw chaff and let him mix it himself. Defendant said he did not know he was doing wrong. Witness asked if he had made a practice of doing it. Defendant replied, "No, only when it is ordered." He said there was 10 per cent. straw chaff in the mixture, and that he charged £9 a ton for it, and £11/10/ for mixed chaff. Defendant signed a promise not to break the law again. To Mr Coldham: He saw the customer, Mr Gilett, and asked if he was there for mixed chaff. Gillett replied he was there for some cheap chaff. He knew he was getting mixed chaff. Witness asked why he did not mix the chaff for himself. The regulations sent put by the departent referring to the Act did not mention the prohibition of the sale of mixed chaff. Wm. Henry Gillett said he asked defendant for mixed chaff, and got it, and as well satisfied with it. He asked what prices were and believed it was he who suggested that straw chaff should be added to the hay chaff to make it cheaper. To Mr Coldham: He had one lot and was so satisfied with it that he went for a second lot. The Inspector asked him if in did not know he was infringing the law. He replied that he did not. The Inspector asked if he could not mix it himself. He replied that did not suit him. Mr Coldham said the facts in the case were exactly the same as a case heard in the Ballarat City Police Court on 1st June, when the defendants were fined 1/, and this offence took place on the 28th May. The present defendant, therefore should be in no worse position than the defendants were in the other case. There was no deception, and the customer got what he asked for. The P.M., after the magistrates had consulted, said they were inclined to believe that neither the seller nor the purchaser knew they were breaking the law. If such an offence were committed again, it would be treated differently now the matter was made public. Defendant would be fined 1/, with £3 3/ costs.

The mill was destroyed in a fire on 8 December 1922: "CHAFF MILLS DESTROYED, BALLARAT. December 8. A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed Mr. Vince Jermyn's chaff mills at Redan, and threatened a block of buildings, the occupants of which removed the furniture to the road. The wind changed, and all danger passed. Mr. Jermyn estimated his loss at £1200. Mr. Rickard, grocer, lost about £100 worth of stock." "FIRE BRIGADES THANKED. (To the Editor of 'The Star.”) Sir. —I desire to thank the members of the Ballarat City and Sebastopol, Brigades for their magnificent, courage and intelligent effort in controlling the fire at my chaftcutting and grain mills at Sebastopol on the 8th inst. By their splendid work they stayed the progress of the flames which otherwise would have been more destructive. I also wish to thank the Redan police and all friends who assisted so kindly.-Yours, etc., E.V. JERMYN."