Heritage

Christchurch: a chronology

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

Go to a year between 1700 & 1989

Begin at the beginning Start here

This week in history

September 27, 1851
First Avon drowning reported. The victim was drunk. The river claimed 105 lives in the first 50 years of settlement. A high proportion of the victims were drunk.
September 27, 1853
First meeting of the Provincial Council.
September 27, 1974
Visit by the Shah and Empress of Iran.
September 27, 1975
Extensions to airport domestic terminal open.
September 27, 1983
Visit by Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
September 28, 1864
Re-built Victoria Bridge opens. It is probably the country’s first iron and stone bridge.
September 29, 1888
South Island rugby team plays Lillywhite and Shrewsbury’s English team at Lancaster Park.
September 29, 1978
Friendship Corner opens by the Bridge of Remembrance. After a heated public debate over whether the area should be used for parking, the Council decided to plant the area with trees representing Christchurch’s sister cities.
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.

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