Burke Manuscript

Burke Manuscript: Page 256

Transcript

It was thought by some that the Avon could be utilised and goods brought up nearer to Christchurch than by the Heathcote, and with that view, a sum of money was voted by the old Provincial Council for cutting a passage through the horseshoe bend about the year 1858, and a strong party of Irishmen, good beer and whisky men, took the job, and let the river through. It has not turned out as expected. Of course times were changing. Small steamers for the Heathcote trade were put on. The first railway was opened to the Heathcote wharf at the old Ferry, and the river trade was killed. The nest of Wharves at the two mile peg, Webb’s, Aikman’s and others, lost their glory and for some years were valueless; and for a long time no one foresaw the present aspect of the district. Gorgeous villas were still undreamt of. Fabulous prices for suburban sections unknown. Things were in embryo.

Rowland Davis at that time was a tall man between 50 & 60, heavy, broad shouldered, shambling, with an oily tongue and plenty of gab.