Name/Title

Lid, cheese crate

About this object

Cheese crate lid; a12-sided lid made from two planks of white pine (kahikatea), stapled together. Stamped in black on the top: "Katea, New Zealand Produce, N.Z. Cheddar Cheese".

White pine, kahikatea, was eagerly sought after by the saw millers for cheese crates because it was odourless unlike most timbers which have a scent and therefore “taint” butter or cheese.

Most districts in the Catlins had their own dairy factory. The first co-operative dairy factory opened at Ratanui in 1893. Other factories in the Catlins were Tarara (cheese), Hina Hina (cheese) and the Fairfield factory at Katea. This factory was re-built in 1950 after the original was destroyed by fire. The new factory was one of the best in New Zealand for equipment, lay-out and conveniences for handling the production of cheese. As sheep farming became more popular, suppliers dwindled and the Katea dairy factory closed in 1970.

Maker

Fairfield Co-operative Dairy Factory Company Limited

Maker Role

Maker

Date Made

1908-1966

Place Made

Oceania, New Zealand, South Island, The Catlins, Katea

Medium and Materials

organic, vegetal, wood, white pine

Inscription and Marks

Stamped on top: "CRATE No / KATEA / NEW ZEALAND PRODUCE / REG No 688 / NEW ZEALAND / N.Z. CHEDDAR CHEESE"

Measurements

h 23mm x l 390mm x w 385mm
Medium

Subject and Association Keywords

animal culture, cattle, dairy processing. dairy products

Subject and Association Keywords

animal culture, cattle, dairying

Credit Line

From the collection of Owaka Museum Wahi Kahuika The Meeting Place "a rest on your journey"

Object Type

Container

Object number

CT81.1504h

Copyright Licence  

All rights reserved