The Coat of Arms for the City of Christchurch, New Zealand. Was designed and adopted by the Christchurch City Council in 1949. A coat of arms is broken down into these things: A Crest, Torse, Escutcheon, Supporters, Compartment and a Motto. So, ready for the break down of this crest for the us common men …
So, what happened once you got over The Bridle Path? In 1851, Thomas Hugh started the first ferry service across the Heathcote River. A small punt would be pulled by a few ropes across the water, carrying people, their worldy belongings and even at times, a coach and the horses too. Once across, a customs …
The view of the Canterbury Plains (the Port Cooper Plains) from the Bridle Path. The Avon River can seen clearly running through the Plains. The collection of the trees to the left would be Riccarton Bush. *image courtesy of http://www.teara.govt.nz * Alexander Turnbull Library Reference: PUBL-0001-3 Etching with hand-coloured aquatint by William Fox
On the 27th September 1851, the first drowning in Christchurch’s Avon River was reported. The victim had been drunk and had obviously tumbled down the river bank. This would be the beginning of what would be reported as the highest cause of death in those early years of settlement. Christchurch’s rivers weren’t only the cause …
