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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Matheson, J. And Company
Matheson, J. And Company (John Matheson, proprietor) Fellmongers and Wool Scourers, One Tree Point, Kennington. This fellmongery was originally established by Mr Matheson in conjunction with a partner in 1888, at Woodlands, but in 1894 the firm acquired a freehold of eight acres on the banks of the Waihopai river. There are extensive wood and iron buildings, including wool sorting, scouring and washing, drying and packing and pulling departments. A tramway connects the works with the One Tree Point railway station. The pelts are cured and packed in casks for the London market. The plant includes a patent hydro-extractor, a brick drying kiln heated by coke fuel, and the necessary machinery for curing pelts. There are three large drying floors, each seventy-five feet by thirty feet in measurement, and about thirteen men are regularly employed. From 1,500 to 2,000 bales of wool, and 200 casks of pelts, are turned out of the works yearly.