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First Land Allotted to Settlers – 17th February 1851
On the 17th and 18th February 1851, the first allotment of land to the settlers took place. The land office (pictured with the flag standing outside) hadn’t even been finished as people gathered outside. It was situated where the earthquake damaged Christchurch Municipal Chambers now sit (as of 2014). “Outside the scene looked busy enough. …
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Canterbury’s First Ball – 4th February 1851
By February 1851, after roughly 700 people came pouring off our first four Canterbury Association ships, one can imagine the stir caused with the arrival of a hand delivered invitation to a Ball. The first to be held in Canterbury or so the Lyttelton Times would later report. After all, only 90 invites were sent …
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The First Bridge Is Built In Central Christchurch – February 1851
With the Opawaho (Heathcote River) and Otakaro (Avon River) weaving their way through the future site of Christchurch – not to mention the countless swamps and lagoons – crossing the newly named Canterbury Plains wasn’t for the fainted hearted. There wouldn’t have been many times that our Canterbury Association surveyors would have bedded down for …
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‘The Lyttelton Times’ First Issued – 11th January 1851
On the 11 January 1851, the first issue of The Lyttelton Times (pictured) hit the shelves. As the Canterbury Association made their plans for New Zealand’s newest Church of England (Anglican) settlement, they spoke of a grand Cathedral and college being at its heart with a good number of public domains for recreation and oh …
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