'History of the George and Annis Bills Horse Troughs', together with research notes, ca. 1983

MLMSS 6889

fonds

ca. 1983

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs

403108

1 folder - 0.01 Meters
Textual Records - (computer printouts)
Textual Records - (typescript, photocopy)
Photographs

George Bills, businessman and philanthropist, was born in Brighton, England, fourth child of Richard Hardy Bills and his wife Elizabeth, nee Harper. The family emigrated to Sydney in 1871. George Bills married Annis Elizabeth Swann on 18 May 1885. The couple had no children. George, with his brothers Richard and Henry, operated the family bird exportation business. The business grew to include the manufacture of bird cages, wire door mats and mattresses, among its activities. Keen supporters of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and later the RSPCA, the Bills were regular contributors to animal welfare charities. Annis died in Brighton, England, on 30 March 1910, and George in Hawthorn, Victoria, on 14 December 1927. The Estate made provision for a Trust to erect drinking troughs for animals wherever the Executors thought appropriate; such troughs to be inscribed with the names of Annis and George Bills. By 1983, approximately 700 troughs had been erected in Australia and about 50 overseas.

Transferred from MLDOC 3595, November 1999