notes on Granny BOBBETT:
"Filabusi District was a most popular mining areas at the time, with a host of mines
in operation. The 'Killarney' mine was one of the biggest and it was on this mine
that my sister Marion, and her husband Arthur BOTTON decided to open a trading store in
partnership with Bob CARRUTHERS. Tom MEIKLE had already established a thriving business
there, under the management of an enterprising young man named P.J. PHILIPS who was
destined, at a later date, to control MEIKLES's empire and become one of
Bulawayo's leading personalities. Before the completion of the business arrangements,
in order for them to move to the Killarney Mine they were confronted with a problem,
namely, what satisfactory arrangements could be made for the continuation of their
children's education. St. George's, had no boarding facilities available, the only
alternative was to arrange for them to board with my parents back in Somerset East, and
continue their schooling at Gill-College. Ma and Pa's home was a!
spacious one, the residents were Granny BOBBETT-Ma's mother (Jane nee KEBBEY), my
sister Bertha CARRUTHERS was working but living at home. Reginald (Reg)CARRUTHERS who
suffered from a severe affliction (epileptic) and was totally unable to work. Adeline the
youngest of the family was still at school. The homely atmosphere of the old place was
apparent to all visitors, both Ma and Pa were young at heart."
An interesting recollection of Reg is related by Norman's, son Ron:
Reg never married, he would run errands for his mother (Eliza, nee BOBBETT)in Somerset
east as well as doing other odd jobs in the area.
The Coloured community were not allowed in to the bar's in those days, Reg was caught
by the local police for Buying and selling liquor to the Cape Coloureds. On his escort to
the court house he seized hold of the pillars on the out side entrance in a bear hug
fashon. It took four police to release him from this grip. Reg's muscle spasm's
due to his epilepsy rendered him stronger that the average man. etc etc
Rgds
Ian Carruthers