Aaron, In the early 1990's NZ Historic Places Trust excavated the French Marist Mission at Pompallier House, Russell (Kororareka) Bay of Islands. Pompallier was built by the Marists of pise'/rammed earth and was used as a printery and storehouse. At the back of the building in the early 1840's a tannery was ran by James Callaghan an Irish Catholic immigrant. Evidence suggests the first tan pit was sunk into the clay floor and covered by a lean-to. A free standing vat was also used for the traditional French de-hairing process. More vats were added overtime. Callaghan ran a few cattle, goats and pigs that provided hides for the tannery. He was also associated with another Irish Catholic, John Callman, a shoemaker. Their businesses may have been run in tandem. Offcuts recovered during the building work indicate that shoes were being made along with other leather goods. I don't have a copy of the archaeological report but I'm sure you can obtain it from our librarian at central office- try Elaine Marland at [log in to unmask] Also ask her to send you a copy of The Historic Places Trust Magazine #44, November 1993. It contains a summary of the work carried out at Pompallier including the excavation of the tannery. Currently the building and site are being used as a tannery and bookbindery as a method of providing an active interpretation of the place for visitors. Substantial research was carried out to provide an accurate interpretation of historic tanning and binding processes. I don't know if there is a document that compiles that research data but its worth asking Elaine when you contact her. --Alexy Simmons Regional Archaeologist/ Officer NZHPT Central North Island Regional Office