Christchurch: A Chronology to 1989

A timeline of some Christchurch events in chronological order from 1700s to 1989.

Go to a year between 1700 & 1989

July 9, 1863: Civic tree planting begins. Part of the day’s planting was a commemorative tree, generally regarded as the beginning of the Botanic Gardens.
July 10, 1922: Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens included in city boundary.
July 10, 1971: Record crowd of over 57,000 at Lancaster Park for rugby test, New Zealand v British Lions.
July 11, 1879: Post Office building in Cathedral Square completed.
July 11, 1951: Waterfront strike ends.
July 11, 1979: First meeting of the Canterbury United Council.
July 13, 1905: Construction of King Edward barracks begins. The building was completed in an amazing 25 days. In the absence of a true Town Hall, it was often the venue for large concerts and civic occasions.
July 13, 1945: Severe gales with gusts to 145 kilometres per hour (90 miles per hour).
July 14, 1945: Record snowfall 280mm (11 inches) over most of city.
July 15-21, 1979: D’oyly Carte Opera Company gives performances.