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1868
- February 4-5
- Severe storm and gales. Several ships wrecked, floods throughout Canterbury. Waimakariri River overflows into the Avon causing serious flooding. Water flows a metre deep in Market Square (now Victoria Square).
- May 14
- "Lyttelton Times" publishes evening paper, the "Star".
- May 22
- William Rolleston becomes the fourth (and last) Superintendent of Canterbury. The 4 superintendents have been remembered in the names of the city’s "four avenues", previously called the Town Belts.
- June 10
- William Wilson elected first Mayor of Christchurch.
- August 16
- Tsunami ("tidal wave") in Lyttelton Harbour. Part of the harbour bottom was laid bare, then a wave swept in, damaging the "Novelty".
- (no date)
- Fire sweeps across the Port Hills. It took 2 weeks to burn out.
