“[Robert Heaton]Rhodes (otherwise Bob the nipper)was there. What a different version one hears of the same story. It had been told greatly to [John] Deans’ credit that when the first 4 ships came out Deans supplied the settlers with meat at 6d a lb, whilst Rhodes [pictured] raised the price to 8d a lb which …
I have always been very fortunate with my diggings (excuse the pun) around cemeteries when I find a tombstone that seems to offer up a good story. I enjoy nothing more than putting together the puzzle made from a few clues but this Captain McLean is keeping his secrets buried with him. I have more …
Even before the demolitions that have swept through Christchurch since the earthquakes, Cantabs have always been very protective of the city’s history. The rallies formed against some demolitions that happened pre-quakes and the defending of the open spaces at Hagley Park show that we, as a people, love our city – just as she is. …
As Mrs. Fanny Fitzgerald bustled along The Terrace, Wellington, she had one arm around her infant daughter while her free hand hitched her long petticoats away from the stomping heels of her shoes. To strangers, the frustrated crease between her eyebrows were no doubt caused by the stress of the recent break out of Scarlet …
Chris was visiting a friend today in the very new St George’s Hospital when he noticed this while using the lift! I am very pleased! Well done St Georges! *photo taken by Chris Bulovic*
William Turton first saw Ashburton in 1858 when he was just passing through. Nothing much more than a vast plain with the odd cabbage tree, he let his eyes scan over the bland scenery to the horizon. What he saw is anyone guess but something in him stirred and Ashburton’s real European history began. Ashburton …
With the back of the car filled with fishing gear, history books piled on my lap and my eyes constantly scanning the landscape flashing past – the Bulovics were heading towards Lake Ellesmere for a spot of fishing. As we turned into Cowans Road, Leeston, Chris heard a familiar cry from the passenger seat. It …
A new colony in New Zealand? A place they are going to call Canterbury? How fascinating! This was Benjamin Lancaster’s thoughts as he handed £150 over to the Canterbury Association in 1850. This opened the door to Canterbury for Benjamin in the form of land, even though he had no intention of moving his life …
“Altogether he [Captain Charles Simeon – remembered in the naming of Simeon Street] is not merely the fittest, but the only fit man. To [James Edward] Fitzgerald the objections are manifold; though very clever he is wild and harum scarum. A Superintendent, the chief executive person in the Colony should be especially slow and steady. …
