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Lyttelton
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The sea-door to Canterbury wears
a well-worn air as it clings to the side of the ancient volcanic crater that
cradles its sheltered waters. Lack of level land ruled out its becoming the
provincial capital. For some years larger than Christchurch, in recent times
Lyttelton has suffered from the proximity of that city, as many of those who
work on its wharves now commute through the tunnel between port and city.
The port is named after Lord Lyttelton, a leading member of the Canterbury
Association, without whose active support the scheme for a Church of England
colony might well have failed. Hagley Park in Christchurch is named after
Lord Lyttelton's family seat. |
Timeball Station (1876)
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Like a Scottish castle dominating
the scenic port of Lyttelton, the Timeball Station is one of the few of its
kind left in the world.
From 1876 to 1934 a ball dropped from its mast on its stone tower,
signalling the time to ships in Lyttelton Harbour. Visual time signals were
important features of many of the world's ports, being necessary to correct
ships' chronometers and ensure accurate navigation. The timeball apparatus
came from the well-known German firm Siemens Bros, and the astronomical
clock from Edward Dent & Co. of London, who had made the Big Ben clock. Use
of the timeball was discontinued in 1934 when it was replaced by radio
signals, though flag signals continued until 1941. The flags, which predated
the Timeball Station, were used on the flagstaff nearby to signal to ships
and to communicate shipping advice to the town.
A fine example of Victorian technology, the Timeball Station is today one of
only five in the world known to be still in working order. |
Annual Bridle Path walk
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On the nearest Sunday to 16
December, hundreds make an annual pilgrimage over the Bridle Path to mark
the anniversary of the berthing of the First Four Ships. Convenience
overcomes nostalgia in that the descendants walk over from Heathcote and bus
back from Lyttelton. On 16 December itself, the old stone signal station at
Lyttelton simulates the arrival of the Charlotte Jane, posting in order
flags to indicate the sighting of a ship, its identification and, finally,
berthing directions. The 11/2 hr walk over the Bridle Path may be made at
any time of year, starting either from Heathcote or from Lyttelton. |
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