Benson and Norris Boot factory (located at the corner of Kerr and George street, Fitzroy).
The Factory must have been the site of the MacRobertson’s factory which stands on this location today. The other three corners (as shown above) have the pub, and houses on them. At the time of the MMBW map, the area between this factory and MacRobertson’s Box Factory was houses. Eventually these houses were removed for more of the MacRobertson Chocolate Factory.
On Saturday 1 December 1923 the Benson and Norris shoe manufacturer’s factory (a 2 story brick building on land of 100ft. 3in. x 121ft. 5in.) was put up for auction on 20 December 1923. Terms were 25 per cent cash deposit, 15 per cent in 12 months and the balance in 3 years. Interest was 6 per cent. The Auctioneers in conjunction, Percy Henry, 352 Collins Street, Melbourne; R W Lord Burwood Road, Hawthorn (The Argus on Sat 1 December 1923 and Sat 8 December 1923 in Classified Advertising). Then on the 20th it was advertised again, breaking the auction into 3 lots, first being Land and Buildings, second the Plant, Machinery, Fixtures and Fittings and the third for stock (The Argus, 20 December 1923, Classified Advertising).
I do not know whether MacPherson Robertson purchased the Benson and Norris factor in 1923 or if there was another owner in between. Something for further research.
Need to work through the belowand separate based on actual locations