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 1, 1862: Hospital opens on site in Hagley Park. But only after the first vigorous “Hands off Hagley” protests by irate citizens.
June 1, 1961: Television transmission begins from CHTV 3, Christchurch.
June 2, 1874: "The Press" publishes an evening paper, "The Globe" to compete with "The Star". It became "The Telegraph", then "The Truth", then "Evening News". Publication ceased in May 1917.
June 2, 1902: Municipal refuse destructor in operation. The destructor chimney, by the present site of the MED, was a dominant city landmark for many years.
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.