I was gazing upon one of my favourite Dr. A.C. Barker photos when I noticed something I hadn’t noticed before. Around the mid 1860’s, the Doctor took a photo of some V-huts and most books that sport this historic image claim that it was taken in Papanui. I stumbled upon it again in another book …
POTATOES!!! This is what crosses my mind every time I drive along the Christchurch Southern Motorway and glance towards the Addington Raceway below. I have no idea where I read that the land there once was fields of potatoes but the thought has never left me. Inspired by The Press’ article about the Addington Raceway …
From 1851 Dr. A.C. Barker had always had problems with others concerning his plot of land on the corner of Cathedral Square, where the former Government Life Building is awaiting to be demolished today. Nicknamed the ugliest building in Christchurch, it has never the less – since the 1960’s – cast its shadow over the …
“The entrance to Port Cooper [Lyttelton] is very grand. As we sailed slowly up it, we saw high on the cliffs to our right, the workmen making a road [Sumner Road] to the plains, an undertaking, alas, far too great for our infant colony. Just at the moment we passed a little headland, and there …
‘Honest John’ Cordy was manager of Homebush for the Deans from 1854 to 1859. An Englishman, he arrived in Christchurch in 1851 and ran a small run near the Bridle Path where newly arrived hoof-stock could graze before moving on when their owners were ready. On the 1st May 1854, John took over Homebush and …
Ever wondered what its looks like when two avenues fight? Well, it looks like this 
James Edward Fitzgerald (left) and William Rolleston (right) play it up for Dr. A.C. Barker’s camera sometime in the early 1860’s. This photo was most likely taken in Dr. A.C. Barker’s garden on the corner of Worcester Street and …
“On board the Charlotte Jane…I try to recollect the events of the past five days, which from confusion, sickness and disagreeables of every kind could not be recorded at the time…”Edward Ward – 12th September 1850.The Charlotte Jane had sailed out of Plymouth on the 7th September 1850. Edward starts his journal off on the …
By the time Dr. A.C Barker pulled out his hand-gun, he had been pushed to breaking point. As he focused the weapon on the swaying drunk that was taking a rest against the packing crates that made up his home, the Doctor repeated his previous ignored request that the intruder should move on… and at …
This great photo was in The Press last year (2012)! The Government Life Insurance Building, dubbed the ‘ugliest building in Christchurch’ was demolished by CERA due to quake damage. This photo was taken during its construction in 1962. The site of the Government Life Insurance building once belonged to pioneer doctor and artist/photographer Dr. A.C. …
Date and Place of Birth: 5th January 1819 at Hackney, London Date and Place of Death: 20th March 1873 at Christchurch (from Meningitis) A Canterbury Association Settler: Arrived on the ‘Charlotte Jane’ – 16th December 1850 Roles in Early Canterbury: *Surgeon Superintendent on the ‘Charlotte Jane’ *Set up the first Doctor’s surgery in Christchurch – …
