The barrels are labeled "Produce of Longburn New Zealand. XXB Grade 1. Inedible tallow". The Longburn Slaughtering and Freezing Company Ltd was established as a farmer's co-operative in 1890. Sited at Longburn, just south of Palmerston North, it later became known as the Longburn Freezing Works. It closed in 1986. The freezing works had its own cooper, who handmade wooden barrels and steel rings. The barrels were also used for pickled lambs pelts.