HISTORY OF THE ENGINE
1904 - 1912 - Powdrell Brothers
​
The Powdrell brothers were involved in the early 1900's in the transport of wool. Two bullock teams a week went from station to Te Hauke and Waimarama. The Powdrell Brothers had the largest carrying plant in the district (Boyd, 1984).
​
​
​
​
​
Powdrell's horses carting out wool from Taurapa- Ocean Beach (Photo Credit: CM Gordon)
In 1901 Powdrell Brothers ordered a 6-horse power traction engine for heavy haulage purposes capable of a speed of 3 to 8 miles per hour.
It is believed that the grainy picture below was Fowler 9890's first ever job. The engine was assembled on the spit in Napier. It then departed under its own steam along the spit, what is now known as Marine Parade. It was asked to assist another engine, to winch a boat that had run a-ground.
9890 (on the left) assisting with winching a boat on Marine Parade
First load taken by Steam. Taken at Raukawa Circa 1904 (Credit https://knowledgebank.org.nz/72/73/16849)
Powdrell's Fowler Engine 1901-1904 working in Waimarama Area, Hawke's Bay (Credit: Philip Hunt)
Powdrell's Fowler Engine 1901-1904 working in Waimarama Area, Hawke's Bay (Credit: Philip Hunt)
Powdrell's Fowler Engine 1901-1904 working in Waimarama Area, Hawke's Bay (Credit: Philip Hunt)
First Mechanical Road Transport; Powdrells Traction Engine in Railway Yard in front of the Williams & Kettle Building circa 1905
Engines are L-R: A&P 6hp - owned by Jonas Willan, Fowler 8hp - owned by T Kemp Winiata, Fowler 6hp - owned by G Sands, Fowler owned by Powdrells
1916 - 1933 - Fernie Brothers
​
​
​
​
​
​
1912 - 1916 - J Mills
​
In 1912 the machine was sold to J Mill Carriers who shifted everything from produce to wool bales.
​
​
​
​
​
1933 - 1963 - P.A. Pilcher
​
​
​
​
​
​
Men making a haystack in a field by a row of willow trees, at Longlands, Hawke's Bay, in 1934. Shows a traction engine, a tractor, and other agricultural equipment. (Credit National Library of NZ Ref 1/1-013195-G)
1963 - 2017 - Colin Stevenson
The machine was purchased by Colin and transported south to Tokomaru
​
​
​
​
​
​
1963: Loaded at Pilchers ready to head south, with the canopy removed and the frame legs remaining. Mrs Pilcher to the left of picture
