This week in Christchurch history (1 to 7 June)

1 June 1862
Hospital opens on site in Hagley Park. But only after the first vigorous “Hands off Hagley” protests by irate citizens.

1 June 1961
Television transmission begins from CHTV 3, Christchurch.

2 June 1874
“The Press” publishes an evening paper, “The Globe”, to compete with “The Star”. It became “The Telegraph”, then “The Truth”, then “Evening News”. Publication ceased in May 1917.

4 June 1864
Serious fire in Colombo Street destroys buildings between Hereford and Cashel Streets.

4 June 1866
Refurbished Royal Princess Theatre re-opens as the first Theatre Royal.

6 June 1905
First electric trams in operation. Unique in Australasia, they had front fenders as a safety feature because of the density of cycle traffic in Christchurch.

An electric tram crosses the Ferry Bridge over the Heathcote River on the road to Sumner, Christchurch [1909], CCL PhotoCD 2, IMG0045

7 June 1877
New Canterbury College (University) building opens. Designed by B.W. Mountfort, the building is now part of the Arts Centre.

Canterbury College, Christchurch, showing clock tower and Great Hall [ca. 1882], CCL PhotoCD 1, IMG0012

More June events in the Christchurch chronology: a timeline of Christchurch events in chronological order from pre-European times to 1989.