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

June 4, 1864: Serious fire in Colombo Street destroys buildings between Hereford and Cashel Streets.
June 4, 1866: Refurbished Royal Princess Theatre re-opens as the first Theatre Royal.
June 4, 1976: Opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland gives concert.
June 6, 1905: First electric trams in operation. Unique in Australasia, they had front fenders as a safety feature because of the density of cycle traffic in Christchurch.
June 6, 1987: $84 million redevelopment of Christchurch Hospital approved.
June 7, 1877: New Canterbury College (University) building opens. Designed by B.W. Mountfort, the building is now part of the Arts Centre.
June 8, 1838: First French warship, the corvette “Heroine” (Captain J.B. Cecille) arrives in Akaroa.
June 8, 1882: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals formed in City.
June 8, 1966: New "Wahine", described as "the largest vehicular ferry in the world", begins on the Lyttelton-Wellington run.
June 8, 1978: Visit by Crown Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.
June 9, 1851: “Steadfast” arrives with settlers.
June 9, 1862: Municipal Council approves first street lighting (62 kerosene lamps).
June 9, 1869: Earthquake damages many buildings including the stone (second) Town Hall.
June 9, 1917: Sign of the Kiwi opens.
June 9, 1937: Citizens War Memorial unveiled in Cathedral Square.