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

June 14, 1923
New Zealand permanent Air Force established at Sockburn as the Government takes over the Canterbury Aviation Company. Included in the take-over was Sockburn Aerodrome, which was re-named Wigram a few days later.
June 14, 1977
Worst ever daytime smog levels - 750 micrograms per cubic metre. But this is only a quarter of the worst night levels. See 1975.
June 15, 1842
William Deans leaves Wellington to look for suitable farmland in the South Island.
June 15, 1850
Canterbury’s first European wedding - marriage of architect Samuel Farr.
June 15, 1874
Canterbury College (University) opens. A subsequent public protest prevented its proposed buildings from being sited in what are now the Botanic Gardens.
June 16, 1932
Robert McDougall Art Gallery opens. The gallery was a gift of R.E. McDougall, Managing Director of Aulsebrooks and Company.
June 17, 1843
John Deans lands sheep, cattle and horses at Lyttelton.
June 18, 1949
Announcement of decision to move Canterbury University campus to Ilam.
June 18, 1975
Record smog level - 3076 micrograms per cubic metre over 2 hour period during night. The introduction of domestic clean air zones has slightly alleviated this long standing city problem, but Christchurch’s air pollution remains New Zealand’s worst. See also 1977.
June 19, 1857
Complaints reported that the Avon and Heathcote Rivers are becoming clogged with watercress. Provincial Council approves £1500 for clearance. Watercress appears to have been introduced by the ship “Compte de Paris” to Akaroa in 1841, and from there to the Avon by William Deans in 1850.
June 19, 1882
First trials of electric lighting at Lyttelton wharves.
June 20, 1928
Canterbury Aero Club formed. The first pilot trained by the club was a woman, Aroha Clifford. She may have been New Zealand’s first woman pilot.

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