Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. The new cheese factory at Tiakitāhuna, officially the Empire Cheese Factory, was declared open on August 31 1909. It was marked with a banquet in the cooling room. The advisory board consisted of strong personalities, creating debate and disagreement from its beginnings.
The first annual general meeting was dominated with members insulting each other and fiery debate. It was followed a few days later with further arguments at the factory, resulting in court action.
