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1860
- January 27
- Writer Samuel Butler arrives at Lyttelton on "Roman Emperor". He is best remembered for the novel "Erewhon", published after his return to England several years later.
- August 20
- Canterbury Vocal Society formed. After several changes of name, it became the Royal Christchurch Musical Society in 1920. It is the oldest continually operating choral group in New Zealand.
- November
- Volunteer Fire Brigade formed.
- December
- First town clock and tower arrives - in 147 packages. The clock and iron tower, commissioned by the Provincial Government, was not erected as originally planned. Presented to the City in 1876, it was eventually placed at the corner of High and Manchester Streets in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s jubilee. In 1930, it was moved to its present site in Victoria Street.
