Dawson Street in the Central City, Christchurch

Dawson Street in the Central City- formerly David Street, Carter’s Lane and Carters Street. Formerly Carters Street. Named after James Carter (1862-1939). Re-named Dawson Street. Appears on an 1875 map as David Street. By 1883 it is listed as Carter’s Lane. It was taken over by the city council that same year becoming Carters Street. Carter, a carrier, was born on the ship Echunga. He is listed as a resident of the street in 1885. Re-named Dawson Street officially on 27 September 1915 after a petition was received by Christchurch City Council asking that the name of Carter’s Lane be changed. Not recognised as a public street by the Christchurch City Council until 1960.A reasonable amount of information from the library website. In 1876 there was mention of James Carter – carrier living Carter’s Lane. In 1878 there was a petition from freeholders and occupiers on Town Reserve No 107 Chester St known as Carter’s Lane signed by 6 persons requesting council to take over on the usual terms. From council minutes dated November 1877. In 1878 the street was channelled. In 1883 in a special meeting Carter’s Lane was taken over and known in the future as Carter’s Street. James Carter died at his residence Carter’s Street in 1894. In 1909 there was a vet C W Seager on the street. in the 1910s and 1920s there was mention of Carter’s Lane in both Cashmere and Linwood. In 1915 there was a petition from 9 people residing on Carter’s Lane. We the owners of properties situated in Carter’s Lane which for various reasons has become known as an undesirable locality and we are anxious the neighbourhood should be improved in order to alter this state of affairs and allow name to be changed from Carter’s Lane to Dawson St. Mr Swift who owned several properties on the street was prepared to spend money on improving the street if the name change was approved. Note Carter’s Street was hardly ever used and most people continued to use Carter’s Lane. I searched to find out why Carter’s Lane became undesirable but couldn’t find a reason. I couldn’t even find a house of ill fame. This street was on the 1862 map as David St but this name was hardly ever used. This is a narrow street running between Kilmore Street and Chester Street East with only 8 properties and one from 1915 and one from 1920 and the rest from 1970. Parking is terrible here as the street is so narrow. To drive here with cars parked on the side of the road is difficult. I didn’t look to see if there was parking was only allowed on only one side.