ROWLANDS, Arthur James

   General Notes:

The History and Making of Cheese - Arthur Rowlands Manager 1929-1940
Arthur lived in Tokomaru, attended the school there and later furthered his education at Palmerston North Boys High School. Leaving school he started his career as a cheese maker under the supervision of Laurie Clapham at Tokomaru from 1919 to 1922. From here to Kairanga where he spent time as both factory worker and stoker on the boiler. This job was only for 12 months. Gained more experience at Oroua Downs factory for another two years. Then as manager at Ohakune until 1929.
Tokomaru Dairy Co. advertised for a manager. Arthur's application was successful and he duly took up his new job. He married Aranie Williams, Bert William's daughter and sister of Algie and Harry. They lived in the managers house, had one daughter Joyce, and one son Reg.
Arthur was dedicated to his job, led by example and was always conscious of making the finest possible cheese. During his management, the new curing room was built. This allowed much better storage and keeping the cheese at the correct temperature which was essential. Often he would be seen waiting on the corner for farmers coming late and would climb aboard stirring them along at great pace, so the factory workers would not be mucking around all night.
Several prizes were won entering the cheese section at the local A & P shows held each year. Also Arthur was honoured with a certificate from the Queen for supplying an excellent product for cheese sent in great volumes during the war period.
Arthur was there when in 1939 Hitler announced war with Britain. I was only a boy at the time and I thought it a rather exciting time, but he quickly assured me the war was nothing to look forward to and the same week several of our ships had been torpedoed, and sunk.
Reg, his son, was my age and we were great friends. Rugby and running were our main aims along with other things I will not dwell on. Arthur, his father, would spend time having a boot at the ball with us. All the Rowlands men were very keen sportsmen although Arthur was the shortest, he did not lact for physical ability. This was handy in his job as some of the lads working there were pretty stroppy. I can remember almost every Friday they would take me to town and I can remember their brand new Vauxhall (1940). It was a lovely car and also on the way to town Inglis Jones, the Horlicks manager, passing us along Keebles straight. He only just got past and Arthur quickly put his foot down and drove up behind him a few feet and tooted his horn several times as if he was going to pass but he did not. I can recall his laughing. Mind you I think he could have passed him no trouble.
In 1942 he decided to buy a farm. This was at Milson alongside the aerodrome, for several years enjoying the lifestyle until his retirement. ²¹

   Marriage Information:

Arthur married Aranie Gertrude WILLIAMS, daughter of Herbert WILLIAMS and Catherine Harriet LIGGINS. (Aranie Gertrude WILLIAMS was born on Oct 28, 1902.)