TitleSouthbridge Bacon Curing CompanyDescriptionThe Southbridge Bacon Curing company was established in May 1877, on a co-operative basis, funded by the sale of shares. Run by a management committee initially chaired by Mr. Charles Bourn, it aimed to address the issue that many farmers in the district found it difficult to get their pigs to market.
A large factory was built on an 11-acre site 60 chains (1.2 km) away from the Southbridge Railway Station, near a stream. Stockyards, along with buildings for killing, drying, smoking and packing were erected, connected by a tramway. A four-room house was also built on the site.
The company advertised its bacon, hams and smallgoods in newspapers in Christchurch and Auckland, and its bacon won awards at the local A&P show, where they also sponsored a prize for pig rearing.
By October 1879 the company was liquidated and its premises sold, advertised as 'admirably suitable' for adaptation for rendering, candle and soap-making, and sheep-washing. As of August 1881, the property remained unsold.
The fortunes of this company mirrored that of the rival Ellesmere Bacon Curing Company in Doyleston, which opened and closed in a smilar period.