Factory history unearthed

MEASURING UP: Julie Dickeson says height measurements and signatures were found in an old safe in the former Maungatapere dairy factory office.

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Whangarei Leader

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A new cafe venture in an old Maungatapere dairy factory building has unearthed quirky wartime relics.

Julie and Graeme Dickeson are doing up a cafe in the office of the old factory on State Highway 14.

While doing the renovations, the couple discovered mementoes written on the concrete walls of a bunker room, which was presumably used as a safe.

Julie says on the back wall of the safe are a number of height measurements – many made on the same day, October 29, 1943.

The measurements include Bob at 190.5cm, Jim at 175.3cm, Edith at 168.9cm and Colleen Wharf at 162.6cm.

Above the door to the safe are numerous signatures, likely dated when the employees left.

The earliest signature appears to be 1929 and some are dated in 2005 when the building was leased to Driveway Leaders.

Julie says the relics are quirky and raise many questions.

"Where is Bob now and what was he doing here in 1943 – why didn’t he go to war?"

The Dickesons plan to turn the safe into a children’s play area but will put perspex over the height measurements and signatures to preserve them.

The cafe, called The Office, will have indoor and outdoor seating plus a mini-conference room.

Julie says milkshakes and a cheese board will be served to mark the building’s former dairy days.

Ultimately, the couple would like to expand into the old factory next door with a deli, local produce and farmers markets.

"This is a growing area and we think it’s a nice place to come and visit," she says.

The Office is planned to be open in February next year.

- © Fairfax NZ News