Embedded into the very pavement of where High and Cashel Streets meet is a plaque acknowledging the spot where the very first ground was broken on a Christchurch street. Up to this point, only survey pegs marked out the roads. According the plaque, tussock was removed and the ruts left behind were filled in with what I presume was dirt. The sea of tussock was finally being broken and tamed.
The plaque mentions that James Edward Fitzgerald (our future Superintendent and founded of The Press) – among many others – was present at this historic moment.
For a more in depth look at our first street, please check out the following link: http://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/first-ground-broken-for-streets/
