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The Gisborne Photo News

 

34

Rack To Ruin

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Here we have a copy of a drawing done by Mr W. Crosswell (Kaiteratahi) of the Waipaoa Freezing Works as it was at the height of full production in the 1920's. It closed down in 1931 after starting operations in 1915. The picture shows, from left, the office, behind which are the front chambers and preserver. At the back of these are the rear chambers and killing floors. This place was fitted up for 50 solo mutton and beef butchers. About the early 1920's a number of Australians were employed among the butchers, and "go as they pleased" was the pace in those days. Some man-sized tallies were put up in that era. Next to the chambers and killing floors is the blood and bone department with Openheimer's factory and stable. To the right of the drawing are the men's quarters with the cookhouse. In the centre of the quarters is the recreation hall which provided facilities for reading, cards, and other ring games. In the foreground are meat wagons being hauled by horses on the railway siding. The township was on the other side of the works facing Lavenham Road. There were also a bowling green and tennis courts near the railway crossing.

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After close-down in 1931 many of the wooden buildings were stripped down and all that remains today is the office, the ruins of the chambers and factory, and the stable with the water tank on top.