Author Archives: lytteltonwitch

Butler Street – Named after John David Butler (1876?-1950). Butler was manager of the Sand and Shingle Supply Company which operated in Hawford Street in the early 20th century. Developed off Hawford Road from Opawa Road. First appears in street directories in 1922. A reasonable amount of information from the library website. Nothing on Papers …

Continue reading “Butler Street in the suburb of Opawa, Christchurch”

Ombersley Terrace – Probably named after Ombersley, a village in the Wychavon District of Worcestershire. First appears in street directories in 1909.A small amount of information on the library website. I checked Papers Past and Ancestry website but no information. The earliest information on Papers Past was in Sept 1910 where some land in the …

Continue reading “Ombersley Terrace in the suburb of Opawa, Christchurch”

Hanmer Street – Named after Humphrey Hanmer (1827- 1892). Hanmer was born at Hanmer in Flintshire, England. He is listed in street directories in 1890 as a resident of Sumner. He lived there during his retirement. His brother, Thomas, gave his name to the district of Hanmer. Hanmer Street is first mentioned in the Star …

Continue reading “Hanmer Street in the suburb of Linwood, Christchurch”

Te Orewai Place -Named after a hapu of Ngāti Hine. Off Gilby Street. The name was selected by the HagleyFerrymead Community Board after consultation with the Gilby Residents’ Association and local Māori. Named in 1996. A small amount of information from the library website. The houses here seemed to be back entrances to houses that …

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Hurley Street – Formerly Avon Street. In a report in the Star of a council meeting held on 5 April 1880, Avon Street has been “channelled, formed and shingled”. First appears in street directories in 1880. Re-named Hurley Street on 1 September 1948 when 120 streets were re-named. ( It was suggested by a resident …

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Bangor Street – Formerly Queen Street. Re-named Union Street. Re-named Bangor Street. Probably named after the cathedral city of Bangor in Wales. Queen Street first appears in street directories in 1892. “Queen Street, Kilmore Street East” was re-named Union Street in 1897 as there were “two other streets, one in Sydenham and one in Christchurch …

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Churchill Street – Named after the Most Rev. Churchill Julius (1847-1938). Churchill Julius was the second Bishop of Christchurch 1890-1925 and Archbishop of New Zealand 1922-1925. First appears in street directories in 1898. In 1900 the Church Trustees applied to the Council asking it to take over Churchill Street and declare it a public street. …

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Devon Street – Named after Devon, a county in south-western England. Mentioned in the source as a private road off Colombo Street South in 1880. Its formation was discussed at a meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council reported in the Star in 1880. Devon Road first appears in street directories in 1887. Becomes Devon Street …

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MacGibbon Place – Named after William Smith MacGibbon (1889?-1962). MacGibbon was an accountant and also a city councillor 1935- 1937, 1947-1950, 1953- 1956 and 1958-1962. He stood for mayor in 1950 but was defeated by Robert Mafeking Macfarlane. Named in 1960. A wee bit of information from the library website. This street ran off Manhire …

Continue reading “MacGibbon Place in the suburb of Spreydon, Christchurch”

Picton Ave – Named after Picton, a town in Marlborough. One of a group of streets named after places in central New Zealand. First mentioned in The Press in 1890 when land in the vicinity is advertised for sale. First appears in street directories in 1900. A wee bit of information from the library website. …

Continue reading “Picton Avenue in the suburb of Riccarton, Christchurch”