On 1 April 1945, Hillsborough joined the Greater Christchurch and came under the care of the C.C.C.
Edward and Annie Garland arrived at Lyttelton in 1854. No one today could begin to relate to what was going through Annie’s mind as she was led over the Bridle Path on the back of a white bullock!
Edward got himself some land between the hills and the Heathcote River and built a little cob cottage, the attached photo showing the timber homestead built later. He farmed sheep and cattle, grew oats and clover and called his little part of paradise ‘Broomfield Farm’. The farm was first mentioned in print in 1869.
It became a common sight as you sailed down the Heathcote River, heading to Christchurch Quay to have Edward or Annie follow you along the river side, attempting to sell you milk or cheese.
Sadly in 1864, Edward and Annie suffered a double tragedy when they lost their eldest son Edward Brooke Garland – aged eight years old – on New Year’s Day, followed by their six year old son – William Lawrence Garland – just three days later.
The Garland’s are referred to as Hillsborough’s first family and are remembered in the naming of Garlands Road, their old driveway that linked ‘Broomfield Farm’ to Opawa Road.
There is no detail of when ‘Broomfield Farm’ was renamed Hillsborough.
*Image of Garland Homestead courtesy of Mrs. A.E. McColl*
