# The Story of Christchurch, New Zealand/Notable Events

Some of the Notable Events in the Story of Christchurch.
| 1850. | | | |
| December | 16 | . . . | Arrival of the “Charlotte Jane” and “Randolph” at Lyttelton. |
| December | 17 | . . . | Arrival of the “Sir George Seymour”. |
| December | 20 | . . . | Meeting of the land purchasers decided in favour of Christchurch as the capital of the settlement. |
| December | 27 | . . . | Arrival of the “Cressy”. |
| 1851. | | | |
| January | 7 | . . . | Colonists' Council elected. |
| January | 11 | . . . | First number of the “Lyttelton Times” published. |
| January | 18 | . . . | Union bank of Australia opened at Lyttelton. |
| February | 16 | . . . | Land office opened at Christchurch and selection of rural and town lands by colonists commenced. |
| March | 1 | . . . | Construction of road between Heathcote Ferry and Christchurch begun. |
| March | 1 | . . . | Construction of road between Heathcote Ferry and Christchurch begun. |
| April | 16 | . . . | First sale by auction of town sections in Lyttelton and Christchurch on behalf of the Association. |
| June | 21 | . . . | Road between Christchurch and Riccarton opened. |
| July | 20 | . . . | Church of St. Michael and All Angels opened. |
| September | 13 | . . . | Meeting held in Christchurch regarding the formation of a Canterbury Jockey Club. |
| November | 28 | . . . | Bishop Selwyn appointed Rev. O. Mathias and Rev. R. B. Paul as his “commissaries.” The latter resigned in 1853 on his removal to Wellington, after which the Rev. O. Mathias acted alone. |
| December | 6 | . . . | Road from Christchurch to Papanui begun. |
| 1852. | | | |
| March | 15 | . . . | Meeting of Churchmen set up a committee to co-operate with other settlements in obtaining form of government for the Church of England in New Zealand. |
| May | 11 | . . . | Society of Canterbury Colonists formed to take the place of the Society of Land Purchasers, which had been dissolved. |
| August | 17 | . . . | The first wheeled vehicle (a dray) passed over the Bridle Track. |
| December | 16 | . . . | First Anniversary Day celebrated by races in Hagley Park, and by horticultural show. |
| December | 18 | . . . | Farewell breakfast to Mr. and Mrs Godley on the eve of their departure for England. |
| 1853. | | | |
| February | 28 | . . . | Boundaries of Canterbury proclaimed. |
| May | 14 | . . . | - | July | 18 | . . . | Christchurch Horticultural, Agricultural and Botanical Society held its first meeting. |
| July | 23 | . . . | Mr. J. E. FitzGerald elected first Superintendent of Canterbury. |
| August | 20 | . . . | Election of first representative of Christchurch in General Assembly (Mr. H. Sewell). |
| August 31 to | August 31 to | |
| September | 10 | . . . | Election of first Canterbury Provincial Council. |
| September | 27 | . . . | First Provincial Council opened by the Superintendent (Mr. J. E. FitzGerald). |
| October | 6 | . . . | Cattle Show held in Market Place. |
| October | 19 | . . . | Inauguration of St Augustine Lodge of Freemasons. |
| 1854. |
| June | 16 | . . . | First number of “Standard” published (This journal was continued to March, 1866). |
| September | 15 | . . . | Meeting at Lyttelton to promote steam communication by water between Lyttelton, Christchurch, Kaiapoi, and Akaroa. |
| September | 27 | . . . | Day of fasting to implore the Divine blessing on the British arms in the Crimea. |
| 1855. |
| April | 7 | . . . | Canterbury Steam Navigation Company formed to provide communication between the port and the plains. |
| April | 25 | . . . | Coal from the Malvern Hills on sale in Christchurch at £5 10s. a ton. |
| May | 21 | . . . | Christ's College incorporated by Provincial Council. |
| July | 10 | . . . | The Canterbury Association Ordinance passed, by which the Provincial Council took over the assets and liabilities of the Association. |
| October | 10 | . . . | Canterbury Waste Lads Regulations passed by the Provincial Council. |
| November | 8 | . . . | Members of the Church of England, at the suggestion of Bishop Selwyn, prayer Her Majesty Queen Victoria to appoint the Rev. H. J. C. Harper to be Bishop of Christchurch. |
| 1856. |
| February | 7 | . . . | First sale of Town Reserves. |
| March | 26 | . . . | Mr. Joseph Palmer arrived from Adelaide to open the Union Bank of Australia in Christchurch. |
| March | 26 | . . . | Mr. Joseph Palmer arrived from Adelaide to open the Union Bank of Australia in Christchurch. |
| March | 27 | . . . | First wool ship to leave Lyttelton for London direct (the “William and Jane,” 498 tons), sailed. She struck a rock on the way out of port, but was got off undamaged. |
| September | 8 | . . . | Public holiday, with sports, opposite the White Hart Hotel, to mark the conclusion of peace between Russia and England. |
| September | | . . . | A wayside cross and drinking tank, the gift of Mrs. Godley to Canterbury, were erected on the Heathcote side of the Bridle Track. |
| November | 7 | . . . | The Provincial Council decided to have the seal of the Canterbury Association converted into a seal for the Province. |
| December | 25 | . . . | Bishop Harper installed as first Bishop of Christchurch. ​ |
| 1857. |
| February | 8 | . . . | St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church opened. |
| March | | . . . | First passage over the Bridle Track of a spring cart with luggage, drawn by bullocks. |
| June | 19 | . . . | Provincial Council recommended the expenditure of a sum not exceeding £1,500 in clearing the Avon and Heathcote Rivers of water-cress. |
| June | 29 | . . . | Provincial Council passed first educational ordinance. |
| June | 30 | . . . | Superintendent assented to an ordinance authorising construction of White’s Bridge aver the Waimakariri. |
| July | 24 | . . . | Foundation stone of Christ’s College laid by Bishop Harper. |
| August | 24 | . . . | Christchurch-Lyttelton road, via Sumner and Evans Pass, opened by Mr. J. E. FitzGerald, Superintendent. |
| September | 30 | . . . | Mr. FitzGerald sailed for England to take up his duties as Emigration Agent for Canterbury. |
| October | 1 | . . . | Town Hall opened (see notes in Appendix). |
| November | 4 | . . . | Mr. William Sefton Moorhouse elected Superintendent. |
| 1858. |
| January | 6 | . . . | Foundation stone of Provincial Council Building laid. |
| May | 4 | . . . | Last portion of the Christchurch Town Reserves sold at from £102 to £272 per acre; one acre brought £365. |
| May | 31 | . . . | White's Bridge over the Waimakariri opened. |
| June | 20 | . . . | Exports for the half year had amounted to £100,596, and wharf accommodation at Lyttelton was being increased. |
| November | 11 | . . . | Committee set up by the Provincial Council to consider the establishment of railway communication between Christchurch and Lyttelton. |
| 1859. |
| April | 7 | . . . | Canterbury Rifles organised. |
| August | 19 | . . . | Lyttelton Chamber of Commerce established (afterwards re-named Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.) |
| September | 14 | . . . | The Provincial Council met for the first time in its own premises, in what is now known as the Land Board room of the Provincial Buildings. |
| October | 25 | . . . | Report of Mr. G. R. Stephenson, recommending the line of the present Christchurch-Lyttelton railway and tunnel, laid before the Provincial Council. |
| November | 4 | . . . | Superintendent assented to the Racecourse Ordinance, by which about 30 acres at Riccarton were leased to the Canterbury Jockey Club for the purposes of a racecourse. |
| November | 4 | . . . | Superintendent assented to the Public Hospital Ordinance, setting aside five acres of Hagley Park for the purposes of a hospital and appointing a Board of Governors. |
| November | 19 | . . . | Inwood's Mill on the Avon, at the Hereford Street Island, opened. |
| November | | . . . | - | December | 4 | . . . | News received that a provisional contract had been entered into in London for the construction of the Christchurch-Lyttelton railway and tunnel. |
| 1860. |
| January | | . . . | Work begun at the Lyttelton end of the tunnel. |
| November | 18 | . . . | Messrs. Smith and Knight, the contractors for the Lyttelton Tunnel, repudiated their contract. |
| 1861. |
| January | 4 | . . . | Provincial Council authorised Mr. Moorhouse (Superintendent) ta endeavour to arrange a railway loan and find contractors for the construction of the Lyttelton Tunnel. |
| January | | . . . | Mr. John Marshman appointed Immigration Agent in London in succession to Mr. J. E. FitzGerald. |
| April | 29 | . . . | Mr. Moorhouse, Superintendent, returned from Melbourne, bringing with him a provisional contractor for the Lyttelton Tunnel. |
| May | 15 | . . . | Provisional contract and loan arrangements in connection with the Lyttelton Tunnel approved by the Provincial Council. |
| May | 25 | . . . | First number of the “Christchurch Press” published. |
| July | 17 | . . . | Mr. W. S. Moorhouse turned the first sod of the Christchurch-Lyttelton railway at Heathcote. |
| July | | . . . | Bank of New South Wales commenced business in Christchurch, at Mr. W. S. Moorhouse's premises in Hereford Street, under the management of Mr. C. W. Turner, an old Canterbury settler, who had returned to take charge of the branch. |
| September | | . . . | Rush to Otago goldfields. |
| October | 17 | . . . | Christchurch Club opened its present premises with a ball. |
| October | 28 | . . . | Mr. J. R. Godley died. |
| December | 7 | . . . | Christchurch Horticultural Society established. |
| 1862. |
| January | 6 | . . . | Canterbury Commissioners of the Great Exhibition in London despatched Canterbury produce for exhibition. |
| February | 1 | . . . | Christchurch gazetted a municipal district. |
| February | 4 | . . . | First election of Lyttelton Municipal Council (Dr. Donald, Chairman). |
| February | 12 | . . . | Provincial Government accepted a tender for the construction of a telegraph line between Christchurch and Lyttelton. |
| March | 1 | . . . | The newly-formed Bank of New Zealand opened in Cashel Street. |
| March | 3 | . . . | First meeting of Municipal Council of Christchurch; Mr. John Hall elected Chairman. |
| May | 16 | . . . | Death of Mr. E. G. Wakefield in Wellington. |
| June | 9 | . . . | The Municipal Council decided to light the city with sixty-two kerosene lamps. |
| July | 1 | . . . | Christchurch-Lyttelton telegraph line opened to the public. (The first telegraph line in New Zealand). |
| July | 24 | . . . | - | September | | | Provincial Government arranged to despatch prospecting parties in search of a goldfield. |
| October | 22 | . . . | Agricultural and Pastoral Show held in a paddock north of Latimer Square, with entrance from Madras Street. |
| October | 28 | . . . | Meeting of citizens resolved to erect a statue in the city in memory of Mr. J. R. Godley. |
| December | 26 | . . . | First exhibition of the Christchurch Horticultural Society, “in the public garden, Cathedral Square.” |
| 1863. |
| January | 23 | . . . | Agricultural and Pastoral Association formed, Mr. Robert Wilkin, President. |
| February | 9 | . . . | Municipal Council decided to sink three experimental artesian wells in the city. |
| February | 10 | . . . | Court of Appeal sat for the first time in Christchurch. |
| March | 2 | . . . | City Council held its first meeting under a new Ordinance, which had raised it from the status of a Municipal Council (The Governor's assent to the Christchurch City Council Ordinance was gazetted in February. In April the Council adopted the corporate seal, as used since that time.) |
| April | | | Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association purchased fourteen acres in Colombo Street south for £1,560, as a Show Ground. (Now Sydenham Park). |
| April | | | The fund for the erection of the Anglican Cathedral had reached £15,000. |
| May | 5 | . . . | Christchurch Gas Company formed. |
| May | 5 | . . . | Twenty-five acres on South Belt bought by Government as a site for a railway station. |
| May | 6 | . . . | First locomotive engine brought into Canterbury was landed at Ferrymead. The engine was named “The Pilgrim.” |
| June | 23 | . . . | The first cab-stand established in the city for one cab only. |
| June | 9 | . . . | Two oaks planted in the south-east portion of the town belt in honour of the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra. The situation was described as the entrance of Christchurch, as all traffic came by Sumner and Ferry Road. The Prince of Wales Oak was planted by the Superintendent, and the Princess Alexandra Oak by Mr. John Ollivier. |
| October | 1 | . . . | Seventy volunteers left for the North Island to take part in the Maori War. |
| October | 26 | . . . | Canterbury Chamber of Commerce removed from Lyttelton to Christchurch. |
| November | 10 | . . . | Cobb and Co. placed a coach on the Christchurch-Timaru service instead of the cart used previously. |
| December | 1 | . . . | Opening of the railway between Christchurch and Ferrymead. The line was leased to Messrs. Holmes and Co. It was the first line of railway opened for traffic in New Zealand. ​ |
| 1864. |
| February | 8 | . . . | The Cricket Match between All England Eleven and Canterbury Twenty-two was won by the visitors. English Captain, Geo. Parr; Canterbury Captain, H. P. Lance; Secretary Canterbury team, E. C. J. Stevens. (Scores; Canterbury 30 and 105; England, 137.) |
| February | 10 | . . . | First artesian well sank by City Council (81 feet). |
| March | 15 | . . . | Bank of Australasia opened; W. L. Hawkins, manager. |
| March | 21 | . . . | The first hansom cab reached Christchurch. |
| April | 18 | . . . | Opening of iron swing bridge over the Heathcote. |
| April | 19 | . . . | Canterbury Acclimatisation Society formed. |
| May | 29 | . . . | Roman Catholic Church in Barbadoes Street opened. |
| June | 18 | . . . | Ven. Archdeacon 0. Mathias died. |
| July | 19 | . . . | First tree, an oak, planted in Hagley Park. |
| August | 4 | . . . | First steeplechase at Riccarton. (Run on Mr. Wakefield’s farm. Winner disqualified, race re-ran on August 10). |
| September | 16 | . . . | New Town Hall (rebuilt) opened in Christchurch. |
| October | 1 | . . . | Jewish Synagogue opened. |
| October | | . . . | Christchurch Hospital placed under the control of the Superintendent, and resident surgeon appointed (Dr. H. H. Prins), under the Hospital and Charitable Aid Ordinance, 1864. |
| October | 12 | . . . | Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry formed. |
| December | 16 | . . . | Foundation stone of the Anglican Cathedral laid by Bishop Harper. |
| December | 24 | . . . | First street gas lamp lighted in Christchurch. A dinner was given by the Gas Company to the workmen engaged in installing the gas system, Mr. Isaac Luck, Chairman of the Company, presiding. |
| 1865. |
| January | 24 | . . . | The first steam tire engine “The Extinguisher,” brought into the city. |
| February | | . . . | Rush to the West Coast goldfields began. |
| March | 1 | . . . | Godley Head light first exhibited. |
| March | 2 | . . . | “Canterbury Gazette” proclaimed the West Canterbury goldfield, on the West Coast. Public meeting in the Town Hall urged the Government to make a road to the West Coast, and establish a gold escort, lest the profits of the diggings should go to Nelson. |
| April | 8 | . . . | First publication of Canterbury “Punch.” |
| May | 15 | . . . | Mr. E. Dobson recommended the construction of West Coast Road, via Bealey and Otira Gorge. |
| May | 29 | . . . | Contract signed for the construction of the Southern Railway to Rakaia (Messrs. Holmes and Co., contractors). |
| November | 21 | . . . | Provincial Council met in the newly-completed stone Chamber. |
| December | 2 | . . . | Domains Board constituted to control Hagley Park and the Domain. ​ |
| 1866. |
| February | 6 | . . . | Telegraph communication with Hokitika established. |
| March | 23 | . . . | Opening of the West Coast road from Christchurch to Hokitika. Cobb and Co.’s coach had traversed the road earlier, reaching Hokitika on March 15. |
| June | 24 | . . . | Panama mail service opened by the despatch from Wellington of the “Rakaia,” 1,500 tons, 400 h.p. |
| August | 16 | . . . | Cook Strait cable service opened. |
| September | 24 | . . . | Bank of New Zealand occupied its present premises. The site had been acquired in the preceding March. |
| October | 13 | . . . | Flood waters from the Waimakariri caused flooding of the Avon. |
| October | 13 | . . . | Southern Railway opened to Rolleston. |
| 1867. |
| January | 14 | . . . | Sir George Grey, Governor, visited Christchurch after an absence of fifteen years. |
| January | 19 | . . . | Caledonian Society formed. |
| January | 19 | . . . | Public dinner to Mr. Crosbie Ward on his departure for England as Agent of the Provincial Government. |
| May | 24 | . . . | Lyttelton Tunnel pierced. |
| August | 8 | . . . | Godley Statue unveiled by Mr. C. C. Bowen, who had been Mr. Godley’s private secretary. The statue afterwards was handed by the Superintendent to the City Council. |
| September | 21 | . . . | Trout ova arrived from Tasmania. |
| October | 5 | . . . | Southern Railway line opened as far as Selwyn |
| October | 23 | . . . | Christ's College Chapel opened. |
| November | 10 | . . . | Death of Mr. Crosbie Ward in England. |
| December | 9 | . . . | Lyttelton Tunnel opened for passenger traffic. |
| 1868. |
| January | 1 | . . . | Westland separated from Canterbury. |
| January | 26 | . . . | Lord Lyttelion, formerly chairman of the Canterbury Association, visited Christchurch, accompanied by Mr. H. Selfe Selfe. |
| February | 5 | . . . | Flood waters from the Waiinakariyi came down the Avon and did much damage. Footbridge at Worcester Street washed away. |
| March | 18 | . . . | Provincial Council passed a resolution in favour of separate administration for each Island. |
| May | 28 | . . . | Christchurch declared a borough. |
| June | 10 | . . . | Mr. William Wilson elected first Mayor of Christchurch |
| December | | . . . | Provincial Council voted a sum of money for the erection of the Museum. |
| 1869. |
| January | 1 | . . . | Custom-house moved from Lyttelton to Christchurch. |
| January | 15 | . . . | Foundation of the Supreme Court Building laid by the Governor (Sir George Ferguson Bowen). |
| February | 5 | . . . | Trout turned out in Canterbury rivers. |
| February | | . . . | - | April | 22 | . . . | Arrival of H.R.H the Duke of Edinburgh, in H.M.S, “Galatea.” The visit had been planned for the previous year, but had been postponed owing to the attempted assassination in Melbourne, necessitating the Prince’s return to Britain to recover from his bullet wound. |
| November | | . . . | Diocesan Synod negatived by small majority a proposal to sell the Cathedral site and use the proceeds to build a Cathedral on the site of St. Michael's Church. |
| 1870. |
| February | 8 | . . . | Art Exhibition, the first in Canterbury, opened in the newly-completed Museum building. Large collection of pictures from Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin shown. |
| August | 31 | . . . | Earthquake damaged the Christchurch Town Hall. |
| September | 23 | . . . | Foundation stone laid of the new Church of St. Michael and All Angels. |
| October | 1 | . . . | Canterbury Museum opened. |
| 1871. |
| June | 26 | . . . | City Guards Volunteer Corps formed. |
| December | 1 | . . . | First Rose Show held in Christchurch. |
| 1872. |
| April | 29 | . . . | Opening of the Northern Railway to Kaiapoi. |
| November | 5 | . . . | Foundation stone of the German Church laid. (This Church was fitted with a peal of bells made from the metal of French cannon captured in the Franco-Prussian war). |
| November | 20 | . . . | Prospectus of the New Zealand Shipping Company issued. The Company was founded in the following year. |
| December | 10 | . . . | Provincial Council decided to offer the Synod a sum not exceeding £10,000 for the Cathedral site. This offer was declined by the Synod on February 28, 1873. |
| December | 16 | . . . | First Interprovincial Exhibition in Christchurch opened in the Drill Shed. |
| 1873. |
| March | 20 | . . . | Death of Dr. A. C. Barker. He was medical officer on the “Charlotte Jane,” and for many years was the only medical practitioner on the Canterbury Plains. |
| September | 4 | . . . | Tenders invited for the construction of the Anglican Cathedral. (Work was begun a few weeks later.) |
| 1874. |
| January | 9 | . . . | First trout (9¼lbs.) caught in Canterbury. |
| April | 30 | . . . | Public Library opened in Christchurch, under control of the Canterbury College Board of Governors. |
| September | 8 | . . . | Canterbury College site chosen. |
| November | 18 | . . . | - | 1875. |
| April | 2 | . . . | Mr. J. C. Watts Russell died. |
| October | 12 | . . . | Abolition of Provinces Bill passed. Came into force November 1, 1876. |
| December | 17 | . . . | Election of first Drainage Board. |
| 1876. |
| February | 4 | . . . | South line opened to Timaru. |
| July | 18 | . . . | Mr W. Guise Brittan died. |
| November | 22 | . . . | Foundation stone of present railway station in Christchurch laid. (The original station was to the east of the new building. An unsuccessful agitation had been conducted in favour of a site in Manchester Street, between Cashel Street and Lichfield Street.) |
| December | 16 | . . . | Presentation of plate to Hon. William Rolleston, “in acknowledgment of his eminent services to the Pravince of Canterbury, over which he presided as Superintendent for upwards of eight years.” |
| 1877. |
| February | 1 | . . . | Southern Railway opened to Oamaru. |
| February | 23 | . . . | Lillywhite's All England cricket team visited Christchurch. |
| May | 24 | . . . | Foundation stone of Post Office buildings in Cathedral Square laid. (The original Post Office was in “Market Square,” close to the Cook and Ross Corner.” It was from here that the coaches started and distances were measured. The old milestone near the dip in the Riccarton Road marked the first mile in the Southern and West Coast journey.) |
| June | 7 | . . . | Canterbury College buildings and new Museum buildings opened by the Governor, Marquis of Normanby. |
| December | 13 | . . . | First Domains Board appointed. |
| 1878. |
| January | 19 | . . . | Cricket match, Canterbury Fifteen and Australian Eleven, captained by Gregory. The match was played in Hagley Park on January 19 and 23, and resulted in a win for Canterbury by six wickets. |
| September | 6 | . . . | Railway between Christchurch and Dunedin opened. |
| 1879. |
| July | 9 | . . . | First sod of Little River Railway turned. |
| July | 14 | . . . | Post Office buildings opened in Cathedral Square. |
| December | 11 | . . . | First sod turned of tramway line from the railway station to Cathedral Square. The pioneer line of the present tramway system. |
| 1880. |
| March | 1 | . . . | Deaf and Dumb Institution opened at Sumner. |
| April | 17 | . . . | First championship bicycle meeting in Hagley Park. |
| July | 8 | . . . | Canterbury Society of Arts formed (Mr H. J. Tancred President) |
| August | 2 | . . . | - | 1881. |
| January | 29 | . . . | Cricket match, Canterbury Fifteen v. Australian Eleven, captained by W. 11. Murdoch, who made 111. Match won by Australian team by an innings and 100 runs. |
| February | 8 | . . . | Foundation stone of Jewish Synagogue laid. |
| March | 3 | . . . | Sir J. Cracroft Wilson died. |
| July | 23 | . . . | Meeting decided to form Farmers’ Co-operative Association. |
| September | 15 | . . . | Mr. W. S. Moorhouse died in Wellington. |
| September | 24 | . . . | Telephone Exchange opened, first in New Zealand. |
| November | 1 | . . . | Christchurch Cathedral consecrated. |
| December | 5 | . . . | Earthquake damaged the Cathedral spire, dislodging stone-work. |
| 1882. |
| April | 16 | . . . | Messrs. Joubert and Twopenny’s Exhibition opened in Hagley Park South. |
| June | 8 | . . . | Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals formed in Christchurch. |
| 1883. |
| January | 26 | . . . | New Zealand Shipping Co’s “British King” sailed from London, inaugurating direct steam communication between England and New Zealand. |
| December | 7 | . . . | Industrial Exhibition opened in drill shed. |
| December | 7 | . . . | Mr. W. J. W. Hamilton died. |
| 1884. |
| July | 19 | . . . | Young Men’s Christian Association building opened in Christchurch. |
| 1885. |
| March | 25 | . . . | Scottish Rifle Corps formed. |
| March | 30 | . . . | Hon. Reserve Corps formed. |
| April | 17 | . . . | Canterbury Mounted Rifles Corps formed. (This was the time of the “Russian scare.”) |
| December | 22 | . . . | Moorhouse Statue in Public Gardens unveiled. |
| 1886. |
| March | 16 | . . . | Foundation stone of Municipal Offices on Oxford Terrace laid. |
| April | 15 | . . . | Syndicate formed for the construction of the Midland Railway. |
| May | 14⁠–⁠15 | . . . | Flood did much damage in the city. |
| 1887. |
| January | 10 | . . . | Tramway to New Brighton opened. |
| February | 14 | . . . | Telephone communication between Christchurch and Dunedin established. |
| March | 24 | . . . | Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s new grounds at Addington opened. |
| March | 24 | . . . | Municipal Buildings opened. |
| June | 19 | . . . | Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebrated. |
| August | 16 | . . . | - | 1888. |
| February | 2 | . . . | Dr. Grimes installed as Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch. |
| September | 1 | . . . | Earthquake damaged buildings and caused fall of top of Cathedral spire. |
| 1889. |
| August | 10 | . . . | Resignation of Bishop Harper, to take effect on March 31, 1890. |
| 1890. |
| January | 29 | . . . | First sod of Midland railway (east side) turned at Springfield. |
| May | 1 | . . . | Bishop Julius consecrated Bishop of Christchurch. |
| August | 27 | . . . | Great maritime strike started (ended early in November). |
| 1891. |
| January | 29 | . . . | Australasian Association for the advancement of science opened its session in Christchurch. |
| August | 6 | . . . | Bishop Julius laid top stone of restored Cathedral spire |
| October | 29 | . . . | General Booth, of the Salvation Army, visited Christchurch. |
| 1892. |
| January | 25 | . . . | Mr. H. M. Stanley, explorer, visited Christchurch. |
| 1893. |
| December | 28 | . . . | Death of Bishop Harper. |
| 1894. |
| November | 28 | . . . | Sydenham Park (old Show Grounds) opened. |
| 1895. |
| May | 27 | . . . | Government took over management of Midland Railway. |
| November | 17 | . . . | Mark Twain visited Christchurch. |
| 1896. |
| August | 2 | . . . | Death of Mr. J. E. FitzGerald, first Superintendent of Canterbury, and first Premier of New Zealand. |
| 1897. |
| January | 24 | . . . | Lord Brassey visited Christchurch, reaching Lyttelton in the yacht “Sunbeam.” |
| February | 11 | . . . | Commandant Herbert Booth, of the Salvation Army, visited Christchurch. |
| June | 21⁠–⁠22 | . . . | Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrated. |
| 1898. |
| February | 26 | . . . | Australasian Swimming Championship meeting, first in New Zealand, held in Christchurch. |
| December | 1 | . . . | - | 1899. |
| September | 27 | . . . | Chamber of Commerce opposed New Zealand entering Australian Federation. |
| October | 5 | . . . | Canterbury men for First New Zealand Contingent formed for service in South Africa, left Christchurch for Wellington. |
| November | 2 | . . . | Captain Lorraine, aeronant, killed while making a balloon ascent from Lancaster Park. |
| December | 25 | . . . | Canterbury men for Second New Zealand Contingent, formed for service in South Africa, left, Christchurch for Wellington. |
| 1900. |
| January | 12 | . . . | First meeting of Executive Committee of the Canterbury Jubilee Exhibition. |
| February | 19 | . . . | Departure of Third Contingent from Lyttelton for South Africa. This was the special Contingent from Canterbury. |
| March | 14 | . . . | Foundation stone laid of Canterbury Agricultural and Industrial Hall in Manchester Street |
| May | 27 | . . . | Canterbury men of the Fifth New Zealand Contingent formed for service in South Africa, left Christchurch. |
| November | 1 | . . . | Jubilee Exhibition opened in Agricultural and Industrial Hall. |
| December | 17 | . . . | Jubilee of province celebrated. |
| 1901. |
| January | 11 | . . . | Jubilee of “Lyttelton Times.” |
| January | 27 | . . . | Memorial services on the death of Queen Victoria. |
| January | 28 | . . . | Proclamation of King Edward VII. |
| January | 28 | . . . | Public meeting held to urge the harnessing of the Waimakariri River. |
| February | 6 | . . . | Death of Dean Jacobs. |
| February | 7 | . . . | Contingent of Imperial Troops sent round the Empire, arrived in Christchurch. |
| March | 7 | . . . | Contingent of Indian Troops sent round the Empire, arrived in Christchurch. |
| May | 9 | . . . | Members of First, Second and Third South African Contingents returned. |
| June | 22 | . . . | Arrival of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York (King George and Queen Mary) in Christchurch. The Duke laid the foundation stone of the Canterbury Jubilee Memorial (a statue of Queen Victoria), in Victoria Square. |
| June | 24 | . . . | Royal Review in Hagley Park. |
| July | 22 | . . . | Scheme for harnessing Waimakariri before City Council. |
| November | 5 | . . . | Death of Mr. John Grigg, Longbeach. |
| November | 16 | . . . | - | November | 29 | . . . | “Discovery,” in command of Captain Scott, arrived in Lyttelton on her voyage to the Antarctic Continent. |
| December | 8 | . . . | Tender accepted for construction of Cathedral transepts. |
| December | 21 | . . . | “Discovery” sailed for the Antarctic. |
| 1902. |
| December | 21 | . . . | Synod decided to complete the Cathedral. |
| February | 8 | . . . | South Island division of Eighth Contingent sailed from Lyttelton for South Africa. |
| April | 8 | . . . | National testimonial to Hon. R. J. Seddon presented in Christchurch. |
| April | 19 | . . . | South Island men of Tenth Contingent left Lyttelton for South Africa. |
| May | 30 | . . . | City Council’s destructor opened in Gloucester Street. |
| June | 2 | . . . | Rejoicings at proclamation of peace in South Africa. |
| June | 19 | . . . | Mr. John Deans, Riccarton, died. |
| August | 8 | . . . | Coronation of King Edward VII. celebrated in Christchurch. |
| November | 16 | . . . | Arrival of Antarctic exploration relief ship “Morning” (Captain Colbeck). |
| November | 26 | . . . | Death of Mr. R. J. S. Harman. |
| December | 6 | . . . | “Morning” sailed for Antarctic. |
| 1903. |
| January | 22 | . . . | Greater Christchurch scheme carried at a poll. |
| January | 22 | . . . | Election of first Christchurch Tramway Board (Mr. W Reece, Chairman). |
| February | 8 | . . . | Death of Hon. William Rolleston. |
| February | 20 | . . . | Madame Melba visited Christchurch. |
| March | 25 | . . . | Return of “Morning” from the Antarctic. |
| April | 1 | . . . | Boroughs of Linwood, St. Albans and Sydenham united to Christchurch, forming Greater Christchurch. |
| May | 5 | . . . | First meeting of Greater Christchurch City Council. |
| May | 25 | . . . | Canterbury Jubilee Memorial in Victoria Square unveiled. |
| June | 16 | . . . | Tramway loan proposal (£250,000) to establish electrical tramway in Christchurch carried. |
| August | 17 | . . . | Christchurch City Abattoir at Sockburn opened. |
| October | 24 | . . . | “Morning” sailed to return to Antarctic. |
| 1904. |
| January | 5 | . . . | Death of Hon. W. C. Walker, C.M.G. |
| April | 1 | . . . | “Discovery,” with relief ships “Morning” and “Terra Nova,” returned to Lyttelton. |
| April | 1 | . . . | Farewell banquet to Lord Ranfurly. On same day His Excellency unveiled a memorial tablet on Canterbury Jubilee Memorial, in honour of Canterbury men killed in the South African War. |
| June | 8 | . . . | “Discovery” sailed from Lyttelton on her return journey to England. |
| September | 19 | . . . | - | November | 1 | . . . | Consecration of the completed Christchurch Cathedral. |
| November | 1 | . . . | Christchurch-Invercargill express train service begun. |
| November | 5 | . . . | Canterbury Jockey Club’s Jubilee Race Meeting. |
| 1905. |
| February | 12 | . . . | Roman Catholic Cathedral dedicated and opened. |
| April | 22 | . . . | General Booth visited Christchurch. |
| June | 5 | . . . | Electric tram service opened. |
| July | 13 | . . . | Foundation stone of King Edward Barracks laid by Hon. R. J. Seddon. |
| August | 27 | . . . | Memorial tablet to fallen troopers, in Christ’s College Chapel, unveiled. |
| October | 27 | . . . | Captain F. W. Hutton. F.R.S., Curator of Canterbury Museum, died at sea on his way back to Christchurch from a visit to England. |
| December | 18 | . . . | Foundation stone of New Zealand International Exhibition was laid by the Premier, Hon. R. J. Seddon, in Hagley Park. |
| 1906. |
| April | 22 | . . . | Jubilee of Presbyterianism in Canterbury celebrated. |
| May | 10 | . . . | Installation in Christchurch of Lord Plunket, Governor of New Zealand, as Grand Master of Grand Lodge of New Zealand Freemasons. |
| May | 26 | . . . | Statue of Hon. W. Rolleston unveiled in Rolleston Avenue. |
| June | 18 | . . . | News received in Christchurch of the death of Hon. R. J. Seddon; general mourning in the city. |
| November | 1 | . . . | New Zealand International Exhibition opened in Christchurch. |
| November | 2 | . . . | Foundation stone laid of Technical College, in Barbadoes Street. |
| 1907. |
| January | 5 | . . . | Death of Mrs. Godley in England. |
| April | 1 | . . . | Further enlargement of Greater Christchurch by inclusion of Beckenham and Fisherton. |
| April | 15 | . . . | New Zealand International Exhibition closed. |
| June | 25 | . . . | Death of Sir John Hall. |
| November | 25 | . . . | Arrival at Lyttelton of “Nimrod” (Captain E. Shackleton, later Sir E. Shackleton), on voyage to the Antarctic. |
| December | 24 | . . . | Magnetic survey vessel “Galilee,” sent out by Carnegie Institution of Washington, arrived in Lyttelton. |
| 1908. |
| January | 1 | . . . | “Nimrod” left Lyttelton for Antarctic. |
| February | 6 | . . . | Disastrous fire destroyed buildings in High Street, Cashel Street, and Lichfield Street. |
| April | 29 | . . . | Death of Mr. G. G. Stead. |
| May | 5 | . . . | Work on Arthur's Pass Tunnel begun. |
| May | 14 | . . . | New Municipal Baths in Manchester Street opened. |
| July | 27 | . . . | - | 1909. |
| March | 25 | . . . | “Nimrod” returned from Antarctic. |
| May | 26 | . . . | Pumps at Cashmere for Municipal high pressure water supply officially started. |
| July | 29 | . . . | New Magistrate's Court opened in Christchurch. |
| August | 27 | . . . | Jubilee meeting of Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. |
| November | 30 | . . . | Mr. W. Crooks, M.P. visited Christchurch. |
| December | 15 | . . . | Young Men’s Christian Association's new building opened. |
| 1910. |
| February | 21 | . . . | Lord Kitchener arrived in Christchurch. |
| May | 10 | . . . | Accession of King George V. proclaimed in Christchurch. |
| May | 15 | . . . | Memorial service for King Edward VII. |
| November | 26 | . . . | “Terra Nova” left Lyttelton for Antarctic. |
| 1911. |
| January | 19 | . . . | Mrs. John Deans, of Riccarton, died. |
| March | 31 | . . . | “Terra Nova” returned to Lyttelton from Antarctic. |
| April | 1 | . . . | Further enlargement of Greater Christchurch, 200 acres of Heathcote County being taken into Linwood Ward. |
| July | 27 | . . . | Death of Mr. T. E. Taylor, while Mayor of Christchurch |
| August | 22 | . . . | Public meeting appointed deputation to interview the Prime Minister, asking that the Government should give the City Council the site of the Provincial Council Buildings. The request later was refused. |
| October | 30 | . . . | City Council sat as Cashmere Hills Domain Board for first time, and formally took control of the Domain |
| 1912. |
| January | 1, 2, 3 | . . . | Davis International Lawn Tennis Cup Match played in Christchurch, Australasia v. America. Won by Australasia. |
| April | 1 | . . . | “Terra Nova” arrived at Akaroa with news of Captain Scott’s Antarctic Expedition. |
| December | 14 | . . . | “Terra Nova” left Lyttelton for Antarctic. |
| 1913. |
| February | 10 | . . . | Lieut. H. L. L. Pennell arrived in Christchurch, from Oamaru, with news that Captain Scott, Dr. Wilson, Captain Oates, Lieut. Bowers and Seaman Evans had been lost in Antarctic. |
| February | 12 | . . . | “Terra Nova” which put in at Oamaru returned to Lyttelton in charge of Commander Evans, with members of Captain Scott's Antarctic Expedition. |
| February | 14 | . . . | Memorial service in Anglican Cathedral in honour of heroes lost in Antarctic. |
| February | 20 | . . . | Citizens authorised loan for distributing electrical power from Lake Coleridge in city and suburbs. |
| May | 12 | . . . | H.M.S. “New Zealand,” the Dreadnought presented by the Dominion to the Imperial Government, arrived in Lyttelton. ​|- | June | 2 | . . . | City Council appointed special committee to report on proposal to erect Town Hall. Committee subsequently recommended Band Rotunda site in Victoria Square. |
| June | 18 | . . . | Agreement signed between City Council and Government, under which the former agreed to take current from Government’s Lake Coleridge hydro-electrical scheme. |
| October | 10 | . . . | Christchurch Electrical Supply Empowering Act passed, authorising City Council to make advances to citizens who wished to install electricity in their houses. |
| October | 31 | . . . | Strike by Waterside Workers at Lyttelton, in sympathy with the workers in Wellington. |
| November | 4 | . . . | Conference between employers’ representative and Federation of Labour failed. |
| November | 25 | . . . | Special constables from camp at Addington sent to Lyttelton to maintain order. |
| December | 11 | . . . | Christchurch Domains Act Amendment Act passed authorising Domain Board to call upon contributing bodies in a combined district to contribute to the Board’s funds, and authorising the local bodies to levy rates for the purpose. |
| December | 20 | . . . | Federation of Labour declared strike ended. |
| 1914. |
| April | 3 | . . . | Further extension of Christchurch by inclusion of 280 acres of North Richmond in St. Albans Ward. |
| May | 1 | . . . | City Council received first supply of electrical current from Lake Coleridge hydro-electrical scheme. |
| August | 5 | . . . | Demonstration of loyalty in Christchurch on receipt of news that war had been declared between Great Britain and Germany. |
| August | 22 | . . . | Last parade before departure of Canterbury Contingent of New Zealand Expeditionary Force, held in Hagley Park. |
| August | 24 | . . . | Great patriotic procession and demonstration in Christchurch, and large sum collected for Patriotic Provident Fund. |
| September | 5 | . . . | Farewell entertainment to members of Canterbury Contingent of New Zealand Expeditionary Force, held in King Edward Barracks. Presentation of citizens’ flag to soldiers. |
| September | 23 | . . . | Canterbury Contingent of New Zealand Expeditionary Force left Lyttelton in “Athenie” and “Tahiti.” |
| October | 29 | . . . | Citizens’ Defence Corps formed in Christchurch in connection with the war. Later, took an active part in recruiting movement. |
| November | 2 | . . . | Act passed constituting Board of Control of Riccarton Bush, 16 acres of land in native plants, presented to the city by members of the Deans’ Family. |
| December | 21 | . . . | Death of Hon. W. Montgomery at Little River. |
| December | 22 | . . . | - | 1915. |
| March | 15 | . . . | Death of Bishop Grimes. |
| April | 16 | . . . | Japanese Trade Commissioners visited Christchurch. |
| June | 6 | . . . | Death of Hon. E. C. J. Stevens. |
| July | 17 | . . . | “Willochra” arrived in Lyttelton with first wounded Canterbury soldiers returned from the war. |
| November | 3 | . . . | Magnetic survey vessel “Carnegie,” sent out by Carnegie Institution of Washington, arrived in Lyttelton. |