| By :
Nadine Davis
If you love Lemon and Paeroa then you would probably be interested to know its history. It started with a now famous spring located on land owned by two residents of Paeroa, James Coote and Alexander Hogg back in April 1887, however, the discovery of its refreshing benefits go back a lot further than this date. It has a long rich history, is well known around the world and is today one of New Zealand's biggest icons. If you think you'd like to know more about the history of this delicious drink then keep reading. Around 1600, the early Maori in the Ohinemuri area, the European pioneers settling from 1842 and the early 1870's developers of the goldfields and the township Paeroa, swiftly discovered the distinctive mineral waters flowing from a deep underground spring containing thirst quenching, medicinal qualities due to the slight alkaline content with iron salts. A report by Government balneologist in 1904 said it was found to be good for Dyspepsia, constipation and a Sunday morning pick me up after Saturday night however, as there were so many tea drinkers in the colony, he doubted anyone would go to the expense of bottling it. Little did he know one day the famous L&P would exist. The land changed hands through several titleholders after 1887 and in this time district residents frequented the spring to enjoy its waters. Robert Fewell along with his brother in law Frank Brinkler took over the sawmill that was nearby in 1908, the following year the land was purchased by Robert Fewell and in March 1910, he began marketing the mineral water via his company, the Paeroa Natural Mineral Water Company. Robert Fewell sold the property and proprietary rights of Paeora Natural Mineral Water in 1915 to Grey and Menzies Limited. They were a regional and local company that produced aerated water. At some stage the name was changed from "Paeroa and Lemon" to "Lemon and Paeroa" however precise dates are not known, in 1947 a local newspaper displayed both names. In 1960 Lemon and Paeroa was experiencing major growth in popularity as well as new owners, New Zealand Breweries to be later taken over by Schweppes Limited in the form of a company named, Contract Bottlers Limited. The British Bottlers Institute Diploma of Excellence was awarded to the drink in 1969, this distinction was the only one given to an entrant outside the British Isles. Constant checks were done to ensure the man made specimen and the natural version were similar after an artificial version was put into production. Lemon & Paeroa was placed under ownership in the 1970's by Oasis Industries from Schweppes Limited and Innes Tartan Limited, following this Coca-Cola Amatil took the drink onboard. A long history, a legendary drink; enjoy some Lemon & Paeroa Drink, you're sure to be pleased it's still here today.
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