Loading "Rawhiti" at Hamilton
This is Roose Wharf in Hamilton, pictured in an era with very little mechanisation in shipping. Every item - each sack of spuds, barrel, box, or crate - had to be moved by hand, one man at a time. One particular challenge with photos like this is that it's hard to tell whether the men are loading or unloading. On close examination of a high-resolution version, the scene has the faint appearance of being posed.
Regardless, the work was anything but easy. Heavy loads on sack barrows could take a real toll on your back and shoulders.
The P.S. Rawhiti II had its maiden voyage on 31 October 1925, so this photo dates from after that—perhaps a few years later, judging by the grime on the superstructure.
If you have any information you would like to pass on or would like to buy an electronic copy of the photo, please e-mail heritage@hcc.govt.nz quoting: HCL_05965