September 1888 – the most destructive earthquake since the Canterbury Pilgrims landed
Shortly after 4 o’clock this morning the whole of the South and a portion of the North Island was shaken... More »
1901 Earthquake – a warning for Greengrocers & ‘Portly Ladies’
Earthquakes in Christchurch are not unusual events, we’ve been beset with them since European settlement began – and no doubt... More »
Julius von Haast and his milk can seismometer
German born colonist, Sir Julius von Haast, was an explorer, specialising in geology. Amongst his many achievements was the founding... More »
A Poor Joke! A Premonition of What Was Yet to Come.
This photographically produced postcard of Christchurch’s Provincial Government buildings, appearing twisted and warped, was a semi-humorous card sent out at Christmas after... More »
Government Geologist reports on ‘extraordinary earthquake phenomena’
After the September, 1888 earthquake centred in Hanmer caused extensive damage to the Christchurch cathedral, the government geologist, Alexander McKay... More »
Quakes Haunt Christchurch Since Settlement Began
The hidden underlying geological issues beneath Christchurch’s swampy plains meant that city’s founders and their surveyors who chose this site... More »