“It would be difficult to imagine a greater contrast than that which exists between the level grass levels plains in the east of the Canterbury Province, and the rugged forest-covered country of the west. Tasman, in 1642, described the west coast of New Zealand as a ‘great land uplifted high,’ reminding him of the ‘Island …
Tommy Cass knew life’s ups and downs. By the time he was surveying the 33,000 acres that would become the Deans’ future rural station of ‘Homebush’ in 1851, Tommy had earned the respect and admiration of all those around him. You get the feeling that he walked along with a great confidence and self knowledge …
The view of Waitaha (Canterbury Plains) from the top of the Te Poho o Tamatea (Port Hills) in the late 1830’s wouldn’t be hard to imagine – swamp, grass, cabbage trees, flax and Toi Toi. Was it a place where a future could begin for someone not afraid of hard work? William Barnard Rhodes (pictured) …
Where Clifton Terrace meets Main Road, sits one of the loveliest reserves in Sumner. Clifton Bay/Hill was once viewed by the Canterbury Association as a possible landing port for goods being transported from Lyttelton to Christchurch by boats. In view of this and as the surveyors and road making gangs – made up of both …
When Superintendent William Sefton Moorhouse approached Julius von Haast in 1860, he was hoping for a miracle. Just a newcomer to Canterbury, German born Julius was finding that life was taking him on a completely different road than he mapped out for himself before his arrival. There were no complaints from Julius though as he …
Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson (1841 – 1934) Died of old age Place of Death: Christchurch Crossed the terrain that became known Arthur’s Pass Buried at Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch The story of Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson: http://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/sir-arthur-dudley-dobson-1841-1934/ Photo taken by Chris Bulovic
Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson was truly a man-child amongst men! Arthur first entered into history as a nine year old, aboard the ‘Cressy’ with his father Edward Senior and his older brother George. His mother and younger siblings would arrive the following year aboard the Fatima – the Canterbury Association’s 19th ship. Edward Senior struggled …
