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Christchurch was founded in 1850 when a group of
pilgrims came to New Zealand. The area had already
been settled, but the new arrivals had decided to
form the Canterbury Association (giving the name to
the region) and determined to build a city around a
church and college named after Christ Church college
in Oxford, England. Christ Church Cathedral today
dominates a great square at the heart of the city. |
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The Cathedral is a fine building with an active
inner life. Christchurch is the third largest city
in New Zealand, with a population of about 370,000.
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its beginning, the Canterbury region has been
heavily into agricultural production. The area
around Christchurch produces all sorts of vegetables
and fruits, and the region has a great climate. |
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The photo at left was taken in the center of
Cathedral Square. The building in the foreground is
a beautiful older structure. The one behind it is
more modern, and the two symbolize the dynamism of
this community which cherishes its heritage while
looking to the future. Christchurch is home to
business, technology and small industry. |
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Christchurch is regarded as the "most English city
outside England." This trolley is making its way
through the Arts Centre which is home to one of the
colleges of the city as well as boutiques, sidewalk
shops, and cafes. It is also the home of an
excellent museum. |
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Christchurch is also know as the Garden City.
Located on the Avon River, there are many gardens
both public and private. This is the center of the
Mona Vale Garden, once a private home. Today it is
open to the public, who can stroll through the
gardens and take tea in the rooms of the house. |
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This is a scene from the Mona Vale Garden, looking
across a stream toward the "backyard" of a private
home. Christchurch is a colorful, lovely place for
residents and visitors alike. |
