Patea Freezing Works Closure 40th Anniversary

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September 1982: Patea was a busy little town. There were two doctors, two pharmacies, a post office and telephone exchange, County Council and Borough Councils, a town hall, banks and shops. That changed overnight when the freezing works closed. Almost everything closed, never to reopen.

It is hard to believe 40 years have passed. Attending the event outside the gates to where the Works used to be was emotional for the large crowd that turned out in the rain. Memories were shared, the information board and plaque were unveiled and photos were taken. I will let this report fill you in on all the details https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018857153/patea-marks-40th-anniversay-of-freezing-works-closure

The highlight of the day, for me, was having the traction engine take part in the ceremony. I wonder what we will do for the 50th anniversary?

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