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Southbridge Bacon Curing Company
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TitleSouthbridge Bacon Curing Company
DescriptionThe 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.
DescriptionThe 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.
Connections
CollectionRetail Businesses in EllesmerePlaceOtewhata SouthbridgeImageEllesmere Bacon Curing CompanyMore InformationRead more about the October 1879 liquidation sale of the Southbridge Bacon Curing CompanyRead about the May 1877 public meeting for the formation of the Southbridge Bacon Curing Company
PlaceOtewhata SouthbridgeImageEllesmere Bacon Curing CompanyMore InformationRead more about the October 1879 liquidation sale of the Southbridge Bacon Curing CompanyRead about the May 1877 public meeting for the formation of the Southbridge Bacon Curing CompanyAttribution
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Southbridge Bacon Curing Company. Selwyn Stories, accessed 19/07/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6607