Heritage

Christchurch: a chronology

A timeline of Christchurch events in chronological order from pre-European times to 1989.

Go to a year between 1700 & 1989

Begin at the beginning Start here

This week in history

September 30, 1972
New Town Hall complex and James Hay Theatre (designed by Warren and Mahoney) opens. Ferrier Fountain commissioned.
September 30, 1982
Closure of gas works.
September 30, 1983
Christchurch City Council adopts recommendation to close Victoria Street to traffic through Victoria Square.
October 1, 1857
First Christchurch Town Hall opens. This privately owned hall was built on a site in High Street which was later occupied by Stranges Department Store and then by Butterfields.
October 1, 1870
Opening of Canterbury Museum building, designed by B.W. Mountfort.
dt>October 1, 1881
New Zealand's first telephone exchange begins operation in the Chief Post Office, Cathedral Square.
October 1, 1948
City Council takes over Canterbury Public Library from University.
October 1, 1953
Over 3000 hectares of Waimairi (showgrounds area), Heathcote (Bromley area) and Estuary included in City.
October 2, 1916
Opawa joins City.
October 3, 1983
Rugby player Robbie Deans becomes highest scorer of points in 79 year history of the Ranfurly Shield with 187 points from thirteen games.
October 3, 1988
Park Royal Hotel opens in Victoria Square.
October 5, 1899
First Boer War contingent leaves Lyttelton.
October 5, 1982
Paraplegic archer Neroli Fairhall (in competition with able-bodied athletes) wins gold medal at Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
October 5, 1984
Greg Mortimer of Christchurch conquers Mt Everest without oxygen.

Notes