This week in Christchurch history (16 to 22 March)

View this photo of Dr Barker
Dr Barker gave up practising medicine after the death of his wife, Emma, in 1858 and photography became his career. With the wet-plate process, developing had to be carried out almost immediately and so he designed this four-wheeled buggy which incorporated a mobile dark-room. CCL Photo CD 6, IMG0023

17 March 1857
First vehicle crosses the Port Hills - a spring cart pulled by bullocks negotiates the Bridle Path.

17 March 1864
Arthur’s Pass crossed by Arthur (later Sir Arthur) Dudley Dobson. He became the Christchurch City Surveyor in 1901.

18 March 1850
Jollie completes survey and plan of Christchurch.

20 March 1873
Death of pioneer doctor and photographer Dr A.C. Barker.

21 March 1848
Canterbury Association formed in London.

21 March 1864
New Zealand’s first hansom cab arrives in City.

22 March 1894
First "local option" poll fails to achieve liquor prohibition in Christchurch.

22 March 1975
3000 joggers take part in the first City-to-Surf fun run.

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