OLD SUGAR MILLS CHIMNEYS
The introduction of sugar cane in Mauritius by the Dutch three centuries ago led to a proliferation of sugar estates in the nineteenth century. Almost every estate had its mill and chimney. With the centralisation of the sugar industry, most of the small mills were closed down and abandoned with the result that today only their ruins can be found. The sight of those towering chimneys reminds our generation of the skills of the artisans of that period. In 1959, there were 110 chimneys in the country.
Souvenir sheet
(From left to right)
Stamp (Re1) shows the Alma sugar estate was also known as Champ D'or and was created in 1852. It was the first sugar factory which introduced the chemical control of sugar in the industry. It also hosted the Royal Visit of the Duke and Duchess of York on 7 August 1901. The mill ceased its operations in 1947.
Stamp (Rs2) shows the Antoinette sugar mill started its operation around 1828 and its chimney was constructed around 1832. The first Indian immigrants recruited to work in the sugar industry settled there. The factory closed down in 1938.
Stamp (Rs5) shows the Belle Mare sugar estate started its activities in 1808. The factory began its operations in 1820 under Adrien d'Epinay and in 1822 became the first sugar mill to be operating by steam engines. The sugar mill closed down in 1875.
Stamp (Rs7) shows The Villebague sugar estate owned by Mahé de La Bourdonnais, started milling sugar cane in 1745. In 1841, Napoléon Savy and John Swetman bought the estate and later divided in into two parts. Savy took the larger part and named it Grande Rosalie (Rosalie being the forename of his wife) and Swetman called his, Petite Rosalie . Grand Rosalie ceased operations in 1899.