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Charlotte Godley Took On The West – 1850
Around 6th December 1850, Charlotte Godley (pictured later in life), the wife of Canterbury Founder John Robert Godley, became the first European woman to venture west of the Deans’ farm of Riccarton. She was in a party of nine people heading to Harewood (Oxford) Forest for a exploratory camping trip – roughly ten days before …
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Bridle Path Included In Development Budget – October 1850
In 1849, the Canterbury Association’s Chief Surveyor Captain Joseph Thomas and his team stood on a beach of one bay of Lyttelton Harbour (Rapaki I believe) and dared to dream – they were there to build the foundation of a future settlement. With only £2000 to play with, Captain Thomas had to choose his projects …
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Canterbury’s First European Wedding – 15th June 1850
On the 15 June 1850, Canterbury had its first European wedding! Samuel Farr (pictured) became engaged to fellow ship passenger, Miss Pavitt before leaving England. They planned to marry upon landing. They arrived at Akaroa on the 2nd April 1850. Having no official to marry them and no wedding ring, the wedding was put on …
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Christchurch Landmark Carpenter Arrived – January 1850
Scottish born carpenter, James Johnstone, was offered a job that he just couldn’t refuse. He had been happily living in Tasmania, Australia after immigrating with his wife Janet and their children in 1843. Now, as the new Foreman Carpenter for the Canterbury Association – earning 63 shillings a week – he made his plans to …
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