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Story: Food shops

James Knight's butcher's shop

James Knight's butcher's shop

The interior of this Christchurch butchery, photographed by Steffano Webb around 1910, clearly shows the sawdust that was spread on the floor to catch blood and bits of fat. The large chopping block where carcasses were cut up has cleavers and a saw. Five butchers – with their distinctive aprons – man the shop, while two women serve behind the counter.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Steffano Webb Collection (PAColl-3061)

Reference: 1/1-004186-G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Food shops – Butchers and fishmongers, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/25478/james-knights-butchers-shop (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 6 April 2010, updated 1 September 2016.

Comments

David and Janet Carter
10 December 2014
Do you know the street number(s) of Dixon's butchers in Cashel Street Christchurch please? I am doing family history research trying to find out where my grandfather worked in Christchurch as a butcher in 1910-1913. Hope you can help. Many thanks, David Carter.