Charles Bailey’s Milkmaid

The development of the more remote, roadless farming areas of New Zealand which had water access was made more viable by the new-fangled ‘oil launch’. The petrol engine had just reached a level of maturity, reliability and power and safety – and while admittedly still low – this now made the motor launch manageable and a potent tool for the farmer.

These launches became known as ‘settlers’ launches’ and were built in large numbers for the farming communities around the coasts. Their rise was paralleled by the crop of new dairy factories being built to turn the farmers’ cream they had separated on the farm to butter and cheese.

The new craft ranged from the Far North at Houhora and Awanui, Whangarei, Hokianga, the Northern Wairoa, the Manukau Harbour, the Thames Estuary and up the