Picture: Turnbull Library: 16th September 1958. Whites Aviation
Patea is the 3rd largest town in South Taranaki is is located on the Western banks of the Patea River.
The Patea Freezing Works was a meat process plant promoted by The Patea A&P Association in the town of Patea. The West Coast Meat and Produce Export Company was formed in August 1883 and operated a tinning plant and tallow factory in the area. Changes in technology saw the company change from canning to freezing in 1904.
The Patea Freezing Company came into being in 1910. In 1933, a new Patea Freezing Company was formed and at times provided work for nearly 1000 workers during peak season. However, the company suffered badly during the downturn in the New Zealand meat-processing industry in the early 1980s. The Patea works were among the first to close down, ending operations in September 1982. At the time The Patea Freezing Works owned by the British Vestey Group. Wikipedia
Picture: Turnbull Library 1930 Whites Aviation
Back in February 2008 a largest part of the site was destroyed by fire. This site was cleared between 2009/2010.
All that currently remains of the site is the Cool Store that sits on the banks of the river on one side and the rail tracks on the other.
© wildbaynz/windyhillflyingclub July 2015
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