“Christchurch was a-shaping; improvements were taking place everywhere – yet how wild and uncared-for the streets and riverbanks appear to modern eyes! Without doubt there were many waste places; but even then ‘there were gardens bright’ with Avon’s ‘sinuous rills…enfolding sunny spots of greenery.’ She showed flashes of beauty in her unkemptness , did Christchurch; she was then a hoyden town, soon to change her appearance and ravish the hearts of her lovers without disturbing their peace”.
Canterbury historian Johannes C. Andersen recalling his childhood memories ~ 1949
The attached photo shows a busy Colombo Street, looking south towards the Cashmere Hills from the Christchurch Cathedral in 1913.
*image courtesy of the Canterbury Public Library – http://christchurchcitylibraries.com – File Reference CCL Photo CD 5, IMG0063
