Cameron's butcher shop

Cameron's butcher shop is in Sebastopol Street, Redan.

History
The shop is still (2020) standing at 705 Sebastopol Street, Redan. It was operated by Alexander Cameron after World War One. The butcher's shop was originally Camerons. Cameron served in the First Light Horse Brigade and died in the 1946. Mrs Cameron and disabled daughter Dorothy continued to live in the adjacent house until their passing. Mrs Marion Cameron outlived her daughter by many years. The Askwiths bought the business from the widow and it continued until the mid 1960s.

The business was run as a "cash butcher". These became very popular from around the early 20th century with a focus on delivering fresh cuts of meat at the most competitive price possible. The main feature of cash butchers was that they did not buy on credit and they did not sell on credit. This meant there was no costs associated with borrowing and lending in the credit process, such as chasing up debts, along with no losses from unpaid debts, resulting in lower prices. The cash butcher also shortened the supply chain so that a hawker would no longer be buying cuts of meat and on-selling them. The transaction would take place in a shop rather than as part of a delivery round.

The shop was used as a "second hand goods" store in the early 1980s.

The building was renovated and converted into a residence and used as a "bed and breakfast". It sold in May 2018 for $300,000: "This recently renovated 5 star energy rated townhouse has been converted from the charm of an old butchers shop and is presented with luxury, style and wow factor. The décor is blended with soft textures and deep colours which makes for a sophisticated combination with a hint of an industrial feel. The generous queen size bedroom with a large mirrored built in wardrobe over looks a private courtyard. The living room is a massive 6.1 x 4.2 m with an open plan kitchen and dining area. You will love the huge bathroom with a free standing bath and includes laundry facilities. Features include central heating, ceiling fans & split system too. The tranquil courtyard is secure and suited to enjoying the outdoors for relaxing. There is ample land to extend the premise or add a studio / garage at the rear with a wide lane access. A low maintenance garden with automatic sprinkler system ensures an easy inner city lifestyle. This piece of real estate presents many options; continue to operate as a BnB, or utilize the elegant townhouse as a permanent residence with further development option."

Butchers

 * Alexander Cameron, 1923-1946
 * John Alphonsus Askwith, 1954-1967