7
by Peggy Butterfield
Historical Happenings
FARMING IN NEW BRIGHTON
With all the talk about the rabbits on the QE2 and New Brighton Road roundabouts, we thought
readers may be interested to know that rabbits were once a business enterprise.
In the 1930s angora rabbits were raised in Burwood. Then 24 Francis Street, now Bassett Street, this
charming snap shows Elizabeth (Bet) & Kathleen Cullimore and Punch the dog.
We can not find much information on this enterprise so we don’t know if they were farmed for their fur
or meat. Our older member, Margaret Coghill, aged 95 can remember going to a rabbit farm to play
after school, but its whereabouts has slipped her memory. She is quite sure they were farmed for their
fur, and no one considered eating them. At this time there were many wild rabbits which became
sport for shooters, and provided good meat.
We still have a few copies of the 2018 calendar “Local Sports Heroes” for $10, and also packs of old
calendars, 9 to a pack for $10. The museum is open every day from 1 to 3pm ..
MONDAY MOVIES at the Museum
1.30pm every Monday
Come early for a cuppa and a biscuit first
FEBRUARY 2018
5th
Carry on Sergeant.
1958
Comedy
1hr 24mins.
Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques, William Hartnell
12th
We’ll Meet Again.
1943
Musical.
1hr 24min
Vera Lynn
19th
Arsenic and Old Lace. 1944
Crime Thriller. 1hr 58min.
Cary Grant.
26th
Cottage to Let.
1941
Mystery
1hr 40min.
George Cole, Alistair Sim.
$2.00 donation