Historical information

Mac's Shortbread Co dates its history back to a family bakery in Abbotsford opened in the 1860's producing bread for the goldfields. This eventually became McAlpine's Flour. This business was sold in 1960 and the family then purchased a cake shop, leading to building a biscuit factory. (This is thought to have been the Surrey Hills site). The company outgrew this and moved to 5 Tate Drive, Kerang. (Further research required.)
Australia adopted metric units of measurement in July 1974, so this object was manufactured after 1974.

Significance

This tin is material evidence of the small area of industrial activities that once existed in Surrey Hills.

Physical description

A cylindrical tin with a silvered interior and the outside finished in a white enamel paint, on which there is a geometric design incorporating a butterfly.

Inscriptions & markings

On a label incorporated in the design: "Mac's / MAC'S SHORTBREAD CO. 1 NORFOLK RD./ SURREY HILLS, VIC. AUST. 3127 - 8360333 / BUTTER / SHORTBREAD / INGREDIENTS: WHEAT FLOUR, CHOICE BUTTER, / SUGAR, EVAPORATED MILK, BAKING POWDER / 300 g NET"