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Settler’s Corner Historically Acknowledged – 16th December 1908
On 16 December 1908, on the 58th anniversary of the arrival of the First Four Ships, the Canterbury Old Colonists Association placed a marker to acknowledge Settler’s Corner. “Rode with Mr [John Robert] Godley over the hills to the Plains. Went first to Christchurch, where there are about 4 huts, 3 tents and a hovel …
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The Municipal Baths – Christchurch’s First Indoor Pool – 14th May 1908
On 14th May 1908, in front of a crowd including C.C.C councillors and members of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, Mayor George Payling opened Christchurch’s first indoor pool – The Municipal Baths. Situated on Manchester Street, the C.C.C had a new building erected on what was previously the Crown Iron Works. As with all …
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Museum Rush To Claim Blue Whale Find – 17th February 1908
On 17th February 1908, Canterbury Museum’s curator, Edgar R. Waite couldn’t quite believe the goss circulating around Christchurch that day. A dead whale had washed up on a beach at Okarito, a dot on the map, roughly 137 km south-west of Hokitika. So excited by the news, I don’t think Edgar even finished his cup …
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‘Strange’s Fire’ – 6th February 1908
On the night of 6th February 1908, a fire broke out in a furniture display showroom belonging to the Strange’s Department Store (New Zealand’s largest at the time), at the intersection of Manchester, High and Lichfield Streets. Due to the time of the disaster, there were no deaths or injuries. Fanned by an easterly wind, …
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