Part 1

PILBROW & FORWARD'S TEMUKA BREWERY(1865-1872)

Edward Pilbrow & James Forward established the provinces first brewery in March 1865.Their business was built between the Empire Hotel and the Temuka Bridge on lot 199. The brewery was a small wooden and iron structure. James Forward was a brewer from Salisbury, England. The first mention of this operation was in the "Temuka Leader" 11th March 1865 stating that "Messrs Pilbrow & Forward were erecting a commodious brewery". The Leader and the "Timaru Herald" printed their first advertisements on 20 April 1865 (see fig 1).

By the end of that month Pilbrow & Forward were advertising ale at 3/- per gallon. James Forward ran the operation. He was joined late in 1865 by John Anderson, however by 19 June 1866 Anderson had control although Edward Pilbrow owned the brewery. Edward Pilbrow and his brother James were born in Broadway, New York, although their parents were from Salisbury, England. The brothers came to New Zealand on the ship "Mermaid" in 1860. James helped establish the brewery but went farming in Pleasant Point soon after. He was drowned in 1891 on the Rakaia River at the age of 54, leaving some fourteen children. Edward worked for John Hayhurst, a Miller in Temuka. He then returned to England to marry Anne Walker and established the brewery soon after his arrival back in New Zealand.

In 1867 Edward leased the brewery to J Bromage Williams. Williams had established Oamaru's first Brewery with William Whitmore in Humber Street, 1865. A Mr Pascoe was the Brewer, it was at about this time that the brewery became known as the "Eclipse Brewery". In February of 1868 a flood seriously damaged the Brewery. A newspaper report stated that the two cob cottages at the back of the brewery, about where Mr Taylor resides were badly damaged. A Mr Delamaine was described as the proprietor, who later rebuilt the brewery.

It would appear that the brewery may have closed in late 1872 or early 1873, for an advertisement in the Timaru Herald calendar for 1874 stated "Francis Franks & Co. have much pleasure in announcing that they have reopened the above brewery" (see fig 2).

Francis Franks started his brewing career in Waikauwaiti in 1864 with the Peiran Spring Brewery, which he established on the Main Road, but in 1872 fire destroyed his plant. Franks then became involved in the Mt. Ida Brewery Leven Street, Naseby before moving to Temuka. Edward Pilbrow by this stage was farming at Kakahu. He later became Temuka's Town Clerk and by 1890 he had established a coal and wood business. Edward died at Temuka in 1921.

FRANCIS FRANKS ECLIPSE BREWERY (1872 - 1888)

Francis Franks was born in Welshampton, Shropshire, in 1827. He had four sons, Francis, Arthur, James and Charles. It is thought that they moved to Christchurch. Francis Franks took full advantage of the brewing situation in South Canterbury in 1873. He was the only brewer, the first Waimate brewery was gone, and the second not yet established. A similar situation in Timaru, Brown's Timaru Brewery (on the Timaru Library site) closed in late 1872, and George Field had not yet established the Alton Brewery in Browne St. Franks set up an agent in Timaru, with R. Turnbull (later D.C. Turnbull) (see fig 3).

By 1879 Franks opened a Bond store in Cains Terrace and often advertised his product, available from Timaru or Temuka.(See fig 4)

Franks achieved that few "Small Brewers" did, he won a gold medal at the Melbourne Exhibition in 1880. He followed this success with a shipment of 1700 bushels of malt to Sydney on schooner "Young Dick" in February 1881. In April of 1883 a fire caused considerable damage to the brewery, the malt kiln and engine room were completely gutted, however the other parts were less severe.

Part of the brewery was four stories high (Brew tower) but the main section was two stories high, at either side a one storied concrete walled "lean to". The floor was concrete & a roof of iron. (Description from the "Temuka Leader" 26 April 1883). Like many brewers in the 1880's Franks was bankrupt in Oct 1883, however three months later, with the assistance of the building owner Mr Delamaine, the brewery was thoroughly renovated. A year later the brewery received further renovation, with new concrete walls, floors and tank. (Strong ale at 2/6 per gallon). Earlier that year an interesting article appeared in the Leader (19 Jan 1884). Note the claim about the age of his ale (Fig 5).

HARPER AND COMPANY (1888 - 1890)

Franks continued at the Eclipse Brewery until 10 August 1888 when it was sold to Harper & Co. for 515 pounds. Franks then operated a bone mill, near the Temuka Sale Yards, he was later the Clerk of the Arowhenua Town Board. In 1901 he suffered a stroke which left him paralysed, Francis Franks died at Temuka on 27 May 1905, aged 77. Harper & Co. did no advertising and virtually nothing is known about them.

WILLIAM TAYLOR, TEMUKA BREWERY (1890 - 1899)

William Taylor was brewing on the site by 1890, and in January of 1896 he was advertising for tenders for painting and glazing the Temuka brewery. The "Temuka Leader" 29.12.1898 stated "William Taylor announced that he was giving up business and leaving the district immediately, accounts to be paid by 21 January 1899". By February a partnership of John Wendelken & James Stewart had taken possession. Taylor had earlier been a brewer with the Phoenix, Timaru.

WENDELKEN & CO. TEMUKA BREWERY (1899 - 1900)

The "Temuka Leader" of 4 March 1899 stated "Wendelken & Co. had taken possession of the brewery and were prepared to supply families and to the public with pure malt ales and stouts". By February of 1900 the Wendelken - Stewart partnership had dissolved but Wendelken continued the business. John Wendelken began his brewing career with the Louisson Brothers, at the Crown Brewery in January of 1879. The Crown brewery is now N.Z.B's Canterbury Brewery in St Asaph St Christchurch. The Leader reported 6 October 1900 "John Wendelken, the Brewer at the Temuka Brewery died. He was addicted to drink, syncope was the cause of death". Henry Lee, who had owned the Crown Hotel in Temuka and was now farming, owned the buildings by this stage.

HENRY LEE, TEMUKA BREWERY (1900 - 1906)

The "Temuka Leader" 22 October 1900 commented that "H.Lee", the Proprietor, took the Temuka brewery into his own hands and engaged a competent brewer". It failed to say whom! In January 1901 Lee was advertising ale or stout 36 gallons 1/6 per gallon, 18 gallons 1/9 per gallon, 10 gallons 1/9 per gallon. Smaller quantities at 2/- per gallon. By March 1902 Henry Curtis was the brewer and manager for Henry Lee. In the winter of 1903 a large snowstorm swept Canterbury, it was so heavy that part of the brewery roof collapsed. October of 1903 Lee was advertising his new cordial & aerated water plant. (The 1887 Government act banning breweries and such plants operating under the same roof had been revoked) on the 10 of Oct Lee advertised:

"Having re-erected the brewery and re-arranged the plant in the most modern style. I have also installed a complete aerated water & cordial plant". By 1904 Harry Lee (son) was working at the brewery. See fig 6 for Lee Advertisement.

BRYANT & DINEEN, TEMUKA BREWERY (1906 - 1909)

16 January 1906 it was announced that Bryant & Dineen of Ashburton had purchased the freehold of the brewery and aerated water factory and entered into possession yesterday. They also advertised for a brewer. Henry Lee took over the Royal Hotel, and a Mr Hathy later became the brewer and manager. In February of that year Mr H.J.Milsom of Ashburton took over the aerated water business, but the brewery was still run by Hathy. H.J.Milsom was of the same family that owned several cordial factories around Canterbury, and a brother of J.B. Milsom who owned the Waimate Brewery (1899-1920). Brewing at Temuka came to an end on the 12th of February 1907. The Brewery was largely destroyed by fire, but a shed at the south end housing the boiler and a good deal of machinery was saved. Also the horse harness and vehicles stored in two lean-tos at the East End were saved. Only the concrete walls of the brewery were left standing. Mr Hathy, the brewer, entered the burning building and saved the books. By March of 1907 Bryant & Dineen were advertising the auction of all assets. "Debris of brewery to be resold". By October 1908 F. Johns was living in one of the brewery cottages. Frederick Johns was as aerated water & cordial manufacturer; he probably took over H.J. Milsom. Throughout 1908 and 1909 Bryant & Dineen were advertising the brewery and 11 acres, including the cordial factory and cottage residence. By 1911 the old brewery had been converted into a bacon-curing factory. The remains of the brewery were visible up until 1980. The site was flattened for the construction of the Export Packer's iron shed. The site is now owned by South Corp Packaging.

EDMUND PERRY, GERALDINE BREWERY (1876 - 1882)

It is not known where Edmund Perry came from but by November 1876 he was operating a brewery in Geraldine. An amusing letter to the "Timaru Herald" dated 15 November was his second appearance in print. (See fig 7). The brewery was situated near the machinery museum in Talbot St (behind the intersection of Talbot Street and Kennedy Street). Perry's brewery was probably a wooden structure with an iron roof in the form of a tower and malt house. It would have been described as a 10 or 12 Hogshead plant. A measurement explaining the brewing capacity (A hogshead being 54 gallons).

Edmund Perry also owned the Bush Inn, a wooden pub on the Talbot St and Kennedy Street corners. The brewery was seaward behind the Bush Inn (see fig 9). By 1879 Perry was attempting to sell his brewery (see fig 8). However he was unsuccessful. It isn't known if Perry bottled beer, but very few brewers didn't bottle, but we have yet to find evidence of any bottling. Edmund Perry finally put his brewery up for auction on 9 May 1882. (See fig 9). Perry continued trading at the Bush Inn up until about 1892. It is thought he went to Christchurch. The Bush Inn was removed to Rakapuka by traction engine near the turn of the Century, and is now a residence.

THOMAS MOORE GERALDINE BREWERY (1882 - 1888)

The Brewery was brought at auction by Thomas Moore, son of Augustus Henry Moore who was the second owner of the Alton Brewery (In April of 1877). A.H.Moore later renamed it the Phoenix Brewery. Moore was Irish in origin and it is likely that Thomas was Irish born as well. A.H. Moore got into financial trouble with the Phoenix Brewery in 1879. After the formation of the Phoenix Brewery Ltd. A.H.Moore continued as manager for the new company set up by William Annett. However is 1882 he left the "Phoenix Brewing and Malting Company" as it was then known and went to live in Geraldine, where his son Thomas was farming. His father was declared bankrupt there on 23 February 1882. It would appear that Thomas' money and A.H.'s brewing expertise were combined to operate the Geraldine Brewery. In the next year A.H. had moved to Ashburton and began work with Wood & Co, brewers in Cameron St. A fuller history of A.H. Moore appears with the Phoenix Brewery notes. Thomas continued to operate the brewery by himself until 1888. The fate of the brewery isn't known but Thomas Moore was farming again at about that time.

JAMES TRIBE TYLER, WAIMATE BREWERY (1865 - 1866)

James Tyler was South Canterbury's second established brewer. He operated his Waimate Brewery in Brewery Road (which ran from the Waimate creek to Bush Road (now Mill Road)) in September of 1865. Tyler had earlier been involved with a Mr Brown at the Waitaki Inn, a very early pub on the Waimate side of the Waitaki River.

HILL & CO., WAIMATE BREWERY (1866 - 1867)

By October of 1866 a company called HILL & COMPANY was operating the Waimate Brewery (under the directorship of Midford Hill). JT Tyler and Thomas Browne were also involved in its operation. The Brewery closed for some unknown reason in May of 1867 (probably the water). Tyler moved to Rangiora later to engage in a horse breaking business.

WILLIAM FORSBROOK, WAIMATE BREWERY (1882 - 1894)

William Forsbrook was an ale and stout merchant and Brewer (Great King Street Brewery) in Great King St, Dunedin from 1878 until 1882. Forsbrook and his wife Mary moved to Waimate to establish a brewery in that year. More research is needed on this operation, but it was built on the corner of Eaton and High Streets. Forsbrook was a Waimate Borough Councillor from 1887 until 1891. Forsbrook sold his brewery to Charles Russell in 1894.

CHARLES RUSSELL, WAIMATE BREWERY (1894 - 1896)

Almost nothing is known about Charles Russell except that he operated the Waimate Brewery for two years in sole charge. Some time during 1896 he entered into a partnership with James Boyton Milsom. The notable fact about this arrangement was the building of an aerated water and cordial factory next to the brewery. In 1899 Charles Russell left the partnership and J.B. Milsom continued operating the brewery.

MILSOM BROTHERS, WAIMATE BREWERY (1899 - 1903)

James Milsom was joined by his brother Richard Milsom who operated the cordial factory. J.B. Milsom can be traced back to J. Milsom & Co, aerated waters. St Asaph St Christchurch in 1878. He also had a factory at Dunsandel. In the 1880's he took over Richard's (brother) factory at Lyttleton. J.B.M sold the Lyttleton factory to Mr Schmacher before moving to Ashburton then Waimate. Richard joined his father, George Milsom in Kaiapoi before joining James. Another brother H.J. had been in Ashburton before taking over Lee's cordial factory in Temuka in 1906. The Milsom brothers used the "Jockey Brand" symbol on their syphons, crocks (demi johns) and bottles. By 1905 Richard had left the business, leaving James on his own until 1910 when the aerated water business was sold to Douglas Foster. In 1933 this firm became Foster & Co, Waimate's last manufacturers of such products. They closed in 1943.(see Fig 10)

J.B MILSOM, WAIMATE BREWERY (1903 - 1920)

J.B. Milsom continued the Brewing Operation until at least the closing stages of World War One. The directories of the time still listed Milsom as a brewer as late as 1920. However there is some doubt about that date. The brewery is thought to have been smaller than its Temuka counterpart. Probably a 20 Hogshead plant (1000 gallons per week), J.B. Milsom was a director of the Waimate Terminating Building Society and a Justice of the Peace. By the spring of 1920 Milsom was farming at "Lynton Downs", Kiakoura. The "Jockey Brand" used by Milsom has often been mistaken as a "Huntsman". The logo used clearly shows a Race Track behind the Jockey. A constant hazard for brewers was the Law, illustrated in the Timaru Herald, Nov. 8 1901 Police Vs Milsom, (FIG 10).

KING & FLETCHER, WASHDYKE BREWERY (1915 - 1919)

George King and George Fletcher were of farming background King from Pleasant Valley and Fletcher from Hilton. The firm originates from 1896 and operated a chaff-cutting and straw pressing business. According to the encyclopaedia of N.Z (Canterbury) 1903 "They own a traction, two chaff- cutters and a press. These machines are worked throughout the district. The firm leases eighty acres of land at Washdyke." The company later became involved in grain and seed. George King's brother Frederick had been engaged as a brewer in 1915. The Brewery was situated on the corner of Laughton and Doncaster Streets, Washdyke. The Brewery sold its "Ascot Vale" brand ale in five and two gallon kegs, and in bottles. Eighteen-gallon "Kilderkins" were also available. Much of the brewery remains. The bottle store is now used as a stable. The Brewery Tower was lowered to the same level. The Washdyke Brewery was the last of the Provinces small Breweries.

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