• Halswell Joined The Greater Christchurch – 1st April 1955

    On 1 April 1955, Halswell joined the Greater Christchurch and came under the care of the C.C.C. The term “Halswell” for the area was first used in 1868 – before that, it was known as a part of Tai Tapu. For many decades, Halswell was regarded as a satellite town, meaning it was a thriving …

  • The Parker Hulme Murder – 22nd June 1954

    “Please help us!!! Mummy is hurt, covered in blood!” Kenneth and Agnes Ritchie didn’t know what to think as two blood-covered teenage girls ran up to them at Victoria Park’s Tea Kiosk from the nearby walkway. Agnes recognised them as just having eaten in the tearooms just minutes earlier. As she led the distressed girls …

  • Royal Tour Arrived in Canterbury – 19th January 1954

    On 19 January 1954, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip arrived in Canterbury via train during their 1953/54 New Zealand Royal Tour. Pictured here are Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip enjoying a small pit stop in Darfield. What met them were hundreds of school children, a Mr J.C. Borwick (the Station Manager) and James Deans (previously …

  • The Last Great Air Race Finished At Christchurch – 10th October 1953

    On 10 October 1953, the last great air race took place between Heathrow Airport, London and Christchurch International Airport. Christchurch was chosen in 1950 as Christchurch Airport had become international. There were two sections to the race; one was for speed whereas the other was commercial. The speed race was won by the Royal Air …

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