Biographical information provided by Briar Bella for the He Tohu exhibition:
Helen Meldrum (nee Davidson) was the wife of baker, Andrew Meldrum. The couple were married in 1865 in Scotland and arrived at Port Chalmers in 1874.
The couple, along with their 10 children, called Oamaru home. Andrew worked at his trade for five years before establishing his own business on Usk St (the address given by Helen when she signed the Petition) in 1879. 'His premises, which are erected on a quarter-acre freehold section, comprise a shop and bakehouse, and a convenient six-roomed residence, all in Oamaru stone, with suitable out-buildings, including a stable. He conducts a considerable local trade in bread and biscuits.'
The charming little building (which seems too small to have once housed a bakery) still stands and is owned by the neighbouring McDonalds who presumably use it for storage. However, it is registered with Heritage New Zealand as a historic place.