Name/Title

Photograph [McKechnie & Thomson, Butchers & Bakers, Mataura]

About this object

Undated black and white photograph of McKechnie & Thomson, Butchers & Bakers, Mataura c.1886-1893. This business operated on Main Street (now Henry's building). The men in the image are (from left to right): unknown person on horse/ Irwin, W.J /Thompson, J/McKechnie, James/ McCubbin, John (baker). There are great details in the image; two sheep carcasses are hanging in the left window, a large wolf hound is about to enter the shop! Boxes of Wonder Soap are displayed in the door way and Cadbury's Cocoa and Chocolate are advertised in the right window. The horseman has a large wicker basket presumedly for his groceries.

The 1905 Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts] outlines the history of this business. It was founded in 1874 by Messrs McKechnie and Balneaves; five years later the firm became McKechnie and Thomson, and Mr Thomson afterwards conducted the business solely on his own account for a number of years. Prior to 1903, when Messrs McCubbin and Cameron bought the business, it had been carried on for five years by Mr W. J. Irwin. The premises consist of a wood and iron double-fronted shop, which has the butchery, the bakery and a grocery department, with an office. There is also a substantial stone building, which is utilised as a produce store. The firm employs four carts in the delivery of goods throughout the district.

Place Made

New Zealand, South Island, Southland, Mataura

Maker

King, E (Mr)

Maker Role

Photographer

Format

photograph, black and white

Date Made

1886-1893

Medium and Materials

processed material, paper

Inscription and Marks

Handwritten in blue ink on top of image mount: 'W.J Irwin/ J. Thompson/McKechnie/J.McCubbin, Baker'.
Printed on reverse: ' E King/Portrait & Landscape/Photographer'.
Handwritten in pencil on reverse:'Holloway'.

Technique

printed

Measurements

h 107mm x w 165mm
small

Subject and Association Keywords

mataura town

Subject and Association Keywords

business/commerce

Credit Line

From the collection of the Mataura and Districts Historical Society Incorporated.

Object Type

photograph

Object number

MT2011.185.128

Copyright Licence  

All rights reserved