NZ Canterbury & West Coast

A highly regarded history of of the province of Canterbury, New Zealand. Vol 1 covers Maori and European settlement to 1854, Vol 2 describes the establishment of provincial government while Vol 3 discusses Canterbury after 1876 and the rise of centralised government up to 1950. Originally planned as a centennial issue, war led to its delayed publication.

Whitecombe and Tombs. Hardbacks with dust-jackets. Illustrated. Vol 1, 1957, 287 Pages, Vol 2, 1971, 539 Pages, Vol 3, 1965, 547 Pages. SECONDHAND

A general background description of the Canterbury settlement with reassuring statements and stories about the character of the Maori, chiefly Tamihana Te Rauparaha. Bagnall 3023.

Trelawney Saunders, London, 1851. Paper cover, stab stiched. 27 pages. SECONDHAND

Report of the Select Committee appointed by the Council of the Society of Land-Purchasers in the Canterbury Settlement, to take into consideration the best means of improving the communication between the port and the plains. Bagnall 5244.

I. Shrimpton, Lyttelton, 1851. Paper covers, stab stiched. 48 pages. SECONDHAND

An in depth guide to Maori place-names of Canterbury which includes 1,000 hitherto unpublished names collected from Maori sources. Published by the Otago Daily Times in 1945.

Otago Daily Times. Softcovers. 120 Pages. SECONDHAND

Published at the centennial of the Canterbury Settlement this volume attempts the story of the Maori occupation of the South Island from the earliest times. Include photographs taken by the author.

Bascands Ltd., Christchurch, 1950. Hardback with dust jacket. 196 pages. SECONDHAND

Contains many traditions and beliefs never before recorded. As an old man Teone Taare Tikao passed on to the author knowledge which he had gained as a young man from the old people. This is the scarce first edition.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1939. Hardback with dust jacket. 163 pages. SECONDHAND

Letters Fom Early New Zealand Charlotte Godley. The chatty and socially revealing letters of Charlotte Godley the wife of John Robert Godley first Superintendant of the Canterbury Province. 

Whitcombe & Tombs. Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 387 Pages. SECONDHAND

An examination of the ten Ngai Tahu deeds by which the crown acquired title to the southern half of New Zealand from 1844 to 1864. Includes colour reproductions of all the deeds.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2006. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 312 pages. SECONDHAND

Edward Ward, a young man of 25, arrived in New Zealand with the first 'Canterbury Pilgrims'. This is his vivid and detailed account of this adventure, the journey and the first six months in the infant settlement.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1951. Hardback with dust jacket. 222 pages. SECONDHAND

Letters from the pioneering period in Canterbury and the West Coast, giving some account of life and work in the province by Harper the Archdeacon of Christchurch Cathedral. Interesting eye witnness material of formative days. Folding map to rear. Minor damage to front endpaper.

Hugh Rees Ltd., London, 1914. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 357 pages. SECONDHAND

Tells the tale of the Deans Family of Riccarton, Christchurch, pioneers who settled in the area seven years before the main body of settlers arrived in the first four ships under the auspices of the Canterbury Association. The Deans Family went on to have a substantial influence on the new settlement.

Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 178 Pages. SECONDHAND

Details the years 1849-1850 in Canterbury and the difficulties as well as the triumphs of the men and women who were the trus founders of the new colony. Those who arrived in December 1850 aboard the now-legendary 'First Four Ships' were fortunate to have had the foundations of settlement already prepared for them.

Caxton Press, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 236 pages, illustrated. SECONDHAND

The journals and letters of Charles Obins Torlesse concerning the foundation of the Canterbury Settlement in New Zealand 1848 to 1851. As a surveyor, Torlesse had experience of the events, personalities and controversies that preceeded the arrival of the first four ships in Lyttelton. 1st edition, one of a limited edition of 750 copies published by the Pegasus Press in 1958.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch. Hardback with dust-jacket. 238 Pages. SECONDHAND

Canterbury Old and New 1850 to 1900, A Souvenir of the Jubilee. A history of Canterbury from Maori settlement to the arrival of Paheha pioneers with the Canterbury Settlement. Describes plants and animals of the province.

Whitecombe and Tombs. Hardback. Illustrated. 215 Pages. SECONDHAND

Fifty years of recollections of colonial life on both sides of the Tasman. Two thirds of the book is of life in New Zealand, includes much Canterbury material. This copy is ex Livermere Station library. Published 1884.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch. Hardback. 272 pages. SECONDHAND

Using the laborious collodian or wet plate method of photography Canterbury's pioneer photographers captured a special time in the history of the province. This book includes work by all the early notables and covers Canterbury, the west coast and the Chatham Islands. Published 1987.

Te Waihora Press, Lincoln. Softback. 143 pages. SECONDHAND

Best known for his photographic record of the earliet years of the Canterbury settlement and the infant city of Christchurch, Dr Barker was in the first party of immigrants in December 1850. Barker was dogmatic and iracible but always enthusiastic and very human. Illustrated with the doctors own drawings and photographs. Published 1972.

John McIndoe Ltd., Dunedin. Hardback with dust jacket. 88 pages, 24 pages of photographs. SECONDHAND

The life story of the great man written by his son. It chronicles a decade of exciting explorations as geologist of the province of Canterbury in the then terra incognita of the Southern Alps. He was also responsible for the founding and early collections of the Canterbury museum. First published 1948.

H.F. von Haast, Wellington. Hardback with dust jacket. 1142 pages with folding maps. SECONDHAND

Haast was an important figure in the early exploration and scientific investigation of the Canterbury province. His journeys through Westland and Canterbury are legendary and his topographical and geological mapping in these regions was outstanding. He was the founder and first director of the Canterbury museum.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2005. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 215 pages. SECONDHAND

An illustrated guide to Christchurch and its neighbourhood originally published at the time when the old wooden city was being replaced by the brick one. Of special interest now that the brick city has been destroyed. Facsimile Edition including advertisments.

Kiwi Publishers, Christchurch, 1996. Facsimile Edition. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 229 pages. NEW

The classic centennial history of Christchurch by the oustanding local historian Johannes Andersen. His rememberance goes back to 1875 and the informative text is accompanied by many photographs of the old city and its growth. Published 1949. Slight browning at bottom of last few pages.

Simpson & Williams Ltd, Christchurch. Hardback with dust jacket. 499 pages. SECONDHAND

Based on the recollections of early pioneers and their followers, this tells the story of the the men and women who came to Cantebury to found a new settlement in the 1840s. To this the author has added the history of the building of the province's infrastructure, churches, transport and social institutions. Includes a timeline of events from 1850 to 1916.

Hardback. Illustrated. 269 Pages. SECONDHAND

The official jubilee souvenir publication, containing much of interest about the municipal development of the city and considerable local advertising.

Christchurch City Council, 1928. Paper covers. 131 pages. SECONDHAND

The History of the Social Service Council of the Diocese of Christchurch. Written in 1966 for the Social Service Council. Unpublished, bound typescript in thesis format. Cover slightly marked. Anglican Social Services stamp on front endpaper.

Social Services Council. Hardback. 101 Pages. SECONDHAND

North Canterbury Hospital & Charitable Aid Board, Official History Progress and Development. The Christchurch Hospital an Historical and Descriptive Sketch.

Andrews, Baty & Co., Ltd., Christchurch, 1926. Hardback. 57 pages of text, plus many illustrations and advertising. SECONDHAND

The history of the Christchurch Municpal Electricity Department including the construction of the Lake Coleridge hydro electric scheme in 1914, the country's first.

Southpower, Christchurch, 1990. Hardback with dust jacket. 146 pages. SECONDHAND

A pictorial history of Christchurch's architectural treasures lost to demolition or fire. Numerous black and white photographs of long-gone buildings. Published in 1984 this history is all the more poignant considering the awful loss of remaining inner city buildings in the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Covers scuffed.

 Te Waihora Press. Softcovers. Illustrated. 96 Pages. SECONDHAND

A visual history of Christchurch chimneys, domestic, commercial and industrial. Most of them no longer exist, demolition accounted for many of them and the recent earthquakes accounted for many more of the domestic survivors.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2011. Softback. 119 pages. NEW

Explains the nature and extent of the heritage of the Christchurch City Arts Centre. Figures of the past spring to life and the architecture is explained in detail. Of extra interest since the earthquake severely damaged these buildings.

Clerestory Press, Christchurch, 1994. Softback. 128 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of the Christchurch Cathedral, the most well known and recognisable building in the city and the focus of a strong, ever-changing community of faith.

Christchurch Cathedral Chapter, 2000. Softback. 202 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the square and its buildings over the years since its founding in 1850. Includes little known details about the city's most famous public space and 60 photographs. Of extra interest since the earthquake destroyed many of the buildings in question.

Clerestory Press, Christchurch, 1995. Softback. 86 pages. SECONDHAND

A short history of the Catholic church in Canterbury, a list of the clergy and the programme for the centennial celebrations. Includes Christchurch advertising.

Caxton Press, Christchurch, 1950. Card covers, side stapled. 59 pages. SECONDHAND

Published to coincide with the restoration and redevelopment of the Government Builldings in Cathedral Square this volume describes the history of the building and its architectural significance.

Symphony and Dynasty Pacific, Auckland, 1996. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 63 pages. SECONDHAND

The engineering accomplishment of those Victorian men of hard-headed practicallity who brought light and heating to an infant city, and in the boom-to-bust development of a volatile industrial venture.

University of Canterbury, Christchurch, 1987. Hardback with dust jacket. 207 pages. illustrations. SECONDHAND

Covers the immediate effects of the earthquake and its aftermath as well as looking at the science of the earthquake. Includes a DVD with footage from the day itself and the documentary shown at the Memorial service.

The Press, Christchurch, 2011. Softback. 191 pages plus DVD. NEW

Pioneers  in Protest No Gains Without Drains.  Being letters, mainly of complaint, culled from the archives of the Christchurch City Council. Some things never change. Hand set, published by Nag's Head Press, a limited edition of 150 copies.

Nag's Head Press. Hardback. 47 pages. SECONDHAND

An historical survey of a century of growth and a comprehensive description of the gardens in 1963. Fully illustrated, coloured folding map to rear.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1963. Hardback with dust jacket. 181 pages. SECONDHAND.

The delightful and colourful history of the River Avon flowing through the heart of Christchurch city. Very well illustrated. Published 1981.

Reed Publishing, Wellington. Hardback with dust jacket. 184 pages. SECONDHAND

Walter Fendall who arrived in 1850 took up the swampy land between the Wairarapa and Waimari streams. First developed for farming the area became the most fashionable suburb of Christchurch, this is that story. Signed by the author.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2002. Softback. 227 pages. SECONDHAND

The absorbing history of the borough from its earliest days as swamp and bog to its heyday as a borough of the city of Christchurch. Illustrated. Fold to front cover.

NZ Federation of University Women, Christchurch. Softback. 184 pages. SECONDHAND

Sydenham has long been a distinctive part of Christchurch, this is its history made all the more compelling since the Canterbury earthquake of February, 2011.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1977. Softback. 96 pages. NEW

A comprehensive and well illustrated account of the development of the borough and then the suburb from the earliest days. With index and map.

Beckenham Neighbourhood Association, Christchurch, 1993. Softback. 110 pages. SECONDHAND

Extensive and meticulous amateur local history of one of the oldest settlements in Christchurch, located to the south on the banks of the Heathcote river.

Published by the Author, Christchurch, 2007. Softback. 325 pages. SECONDHAND

Sumner to Ferrymead A Christchurch History describes the seaside hill suburbs between Sumner Bay and the Heathcote Valley, Sumner, Clifton to McCormack's Bay, Mount Pleasant, St Andrew's Hill, Ferrymead and Heathcote. Social history about local railways, ferries, schools, churches, cafes, clubs and personalities that gave these suburbs their unique identity. Also a family history reference. A facsimile of the 1st 1976 edition.

Cadsonbury. Softcovers. Illustrated. 218 Pages. NEW.

A social history of  New Brighton which describes the growth of Christchurch's seaside suburb from when the area was known as the Sandhill Run in the 1850s to its emergence as a surfer's paradise and seaside resort. Details the people, business and clubs which have given the area its unique character. Numerous photographs from private collections.

A & C Arts Ltd. Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 207 pages. SECONDHAND

A witty and sympathetic portrait of the turbulent and colourfull Professor Alexander Bickerton, teacher of Ernest Rutherford and later proprietor of the Wainoni Pleasure Gardens.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1956. Hardback with dust jacket. 149 pages. SECONDHAND

The extaordinary man and his extraordinary achievements, most notably the entertainments at Wainoni Park, are well covered in this facinating work of local history.

Timothy Baker, Christchurch, 2004. Softback. 83 pages. SECONDHAND

The Port Hills of Christchurch by Gordon Ogilvie. First published in 1978 and again in 1991 this classic of Christchurch local history has been fully revised and updated and published for the third time in a larger format than previously. It contains accounts of the history of all settlements and city suburbs of the Canterbury Port Hills and also includes the story of Harry Ell and the Summit Road.

Phillips and King. Hardback. 344 pages. NEW.

A comprehensive history of the Riccarton district to the west of Hagley Park in the city of Christchurch. The author was resident in the area for over 50 years. Published 1977. Signed by the author.

Penney Ash Publications, Christchurch. Hardback with dust jacket. 239 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary, its communities, clubs, controversies and contributions. Companion to 'Beyond the City' and 'Lake Ellesmere to Te Pirita'. Illustrated. 

Penney Ash Publications, Christchurch, 1982. Hardback with dust jacket. 296 pages. SECONDHAND

A  comprehensive account of the geology, history, ecology, birdlife, and human use of the Avon-Heathcote esturary and Brooklands Lagoon. 

Christchurch City Council, 1992. Softback. 137 pages, plus appendices. SECONDHAND

The events and the characters that were important in the development of the council owned forest area and environs and the change from timber production to recreation use.

Christchurch City Council, 2000. Softback. 123 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of the longest established New Zealand retail business (founded in 1854) still in private hands and still on its original site, virtually a social history of Christchurch that includes the tragedy of the 1947 fire and its aftermath. Illustrated with items from the Ballentynes archive.

J. Ballantyne & Co. Ltd., Christchurch, 2004. Hardback with dust jacket. 264 pages. SECONDHAND

Printing in Canterbury A History of Newspapers and Printing Houses of the Province from the Earliest Times. Published by the Christchurch Club of Printing House Craftsmen, 1953.

Hardback with dust-jacket, illustrated, 68 pages. SECONDHAND

The first volume covers the period of Sewell's public life when he and his wife Elizabeth, were living in Canterbury winding up the affairs of the Canterbury Association. The second volume covers his life as a parliamentarian in Auckland though there are excursions back to Canterbury. A revealing glimpse of early colonial life. Published 1980.

Whitcoulls Publishers, Christchurch. Two Volumes. Hardbacks with dust jackets. 510 pages & 371 pages. SECONDHAND

100 Years an account of the founding, development and progress of the Andersons engineering firm from 1850 to 1950. This comany helped build gold dredges, ships, railway bridges and much of Canterbury's infrastructure.

Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 142 Pages. SECONDHAND

French Akaroa An Attempt to Colonise Southern New Zealand. Peter Tremewan describes the French Government's plans to annex the South Island in 1840, and what they did when they found the British had got there first. The lives of the French settlers in Akaroa is the major focus of the book. 2nd, enlarged and updated edition, 2010.

Canterbury University Press. Softcovers, illustrated, 381 pages. NEW

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula 1840-1940 by William Jacobson. A book about the French colonising venture at Akaroa on Banks Peninsula and early whaling activities. A history of the first settlement in Canterbury. Published and printed by the Akaroa Mail Co., Ltd., 1940. Slight wear to boards, very good.

Akaroa Mail. Hardback, no dustjacket. 396 pages. SECONDHAND.

This third enlarged edition tells pioneer stories of Banks Peninsula, originally published in 1883 by H.C. Jacobson, owner of the Akaroa Mail. Written in a conversational style, it offers an unique insight into Canterbury's colonial past, interactions between Maori and Pakeha and the arrival of the French at Akaroa.

Akaroa Mail. Harback with dust-jacket. 399 Pages.  SECONDHAND

Gordon Ogilvie's Banks Peninsula Cradle of Canterbury traces the history of the region from the first waves of Maori occupation, the Nga Tahu civil war, the arrival of European settlers, whalers, bush fellers, boatbuilders, ship deserters and farmers right through to the boom in deer, goats and crafts in modern times.  A social history which will also be of interest to family historians. 1st edition 1990.

GP Books. Harback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 283 Pages. SECONDHAND.

Picturing the Peninsula Early Days on Banks Peninsula. Gordon Ogilvie combines 250 early photographs, paintings and drawings which picture the history of Banks Peninsula. Dedication by the author and previous owner's bookplate.

Hazard Press, Christchurch, 1992. Softcovers, illustrated. 151 pages. SECONDHAND

The Story of Lyttelton 1849 to 1949. John Johnston describes the history of Lyttelton from its settlement by Maori, the arrival of English settlers in the 1840s, the establishment of the borough, the port and its development,to the growth of its suburbs up to 1949. Includes list of mayors, men killed in action during World War I and II and a list of small boats trading in and out of Lyttelton.  A comprehensive text of interest to social historians and family historians alike. 1st edition, published 1952.

Caxton Press. Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 243 Pages. SECONDHAND.

The story of pioneers who developed the cocksfoot grass seed industry on the rugged slopes of Banks Peninsula.

Softcovers. Illustrated. 98 Pages. SECONDHAND

Purau by Elisabeth Ogilvie. An account of Purua Bay on the south side of Lyttelton, Harbour from the days of early Maori settlement until the 1960s.

Caxton Press. Hardback with dust-jacket, illustrated, 99 pages. SECONDHAND

Akaroa is unique in New Zealand history and has atmosphere, charm and character. Some of this history and charm is illustrated here in text and 64 pen and wash drawings by the artist Gwenda Turner. First Edition.

John McIndoe, Dunedin, 1977. Hardback with dust jacket. 95 pages. SECONDHAND

Frank Worsley was born in Akaroa and grew up in Christchurch. He went to the antarctic with Earnest Shackleton in 1914. After their ship the Endurance was crushed by ice they were marooned on Elephant Island. Worsley was with Shackleton and three others in the lifeboat James Caird that sailed 800 miles across the southern ocean to South Georgia where a rescue for the rest of the expedition could be organised. One of the most outstanding small boat journeys in history.

Hazard Press, Christchurch, 1998. Softback. 208 pages. SECONDHAND

The Early Canterbury Runs by L.G.D. Acland. The standard reference book about pastoral settlement, station life and pioneer sheep farming in the Province of Canterbury. 4th edition extensively revised by W.H. Scotter, 1975. 

Whitcoulls. Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated, 417 Pages. SECONDHAND

A history of sheep and sheep farming on Canterbury plains and how it has influenced both the land and the life of the people. 

Simpson and Williams Ltd., Christchurch, 1949. Harback, no dust jacket. 158 pages. SECONDHAND

Castle Hill by E.C. Richards. The history of the Castle Hill run together with the diaries of J.D. Enys and E.R. Chudleigh where they concern Castle Hill. Addition material concerning the geology and natural history of the region. As new condition. 1951.

Simpson and Williams. Hardback with dustjacket, as new condition. 58 pages. SECONDHAND

An early and interesting history of the district compiled from original sources by a longtime resident of the town. Illustrated.

E.A. Jordan & Co., Christchurch, 1932. Card covers. 128 pages. SECONDHAND

The Apostle of the North being a brief memoir of the late Rev. W.R. Campell, first settled minister in the Amuri. Worn covers but intact and text fine.

Privately published, 1926. Softcovers. Illustrated. 33 Pages. SECONDHAND.

An illustrated history of the area from the earliest days compiled by a local historian for the West Melton School Centennial Committee.  

West Melton School, Christchurch, 1971. Hardback with dust jacket. 88 pages. SECONDHAND

A comprehensive history of the Canterbury market town and district of Rangiora. Signed by the author.

Rangiora Borough Council, 1983. Hardback with dustjacket. 479 pages. SECONDHAND.

Waimakariri. An Illustrated History by Robert Logan. This classic work of Canterbury history is now republished for the first time since the original in 1987. The best and most comprehensive history of the river from its source to its mouth. Essential reading.

Phillips and King. Hardback. 188 pages. NEW. 

An account of the settlers in the area between the Waimakariri and Waipara rivers, North Canterbury. Full of photographs this is an engaging and very readable account. First published in 1957 this is a reprint in an edition of 1000 copies. As new condition.

Capper Press, Christchurch, reprint 1978. Hardback with dust jacket. 465 pages. SECONDHAND. 

This is the classic history of the great Canterbury pastoral district of Amuri County from the 1850s to the 1950s. Very fine condition.

Amuri County Council. Hardback. 492 pages with folding map. SECONDHAND

The Amuri A County History by W.J. Gardener. This book is a history of the great pastoral district from the 1850s onwards. The first edition was in 1956 this is the second revised edition with added material, published in 1983. Fine condition with slightly worn dust jacket.

Amuri County Council. Hardback with dustjacket. 492 pages with folding map. SECONDHAND 

An account of the author's lifetime association with horses in the high country of Amuri County of North Canterbury.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1973. Hardback with dust jacket. 104 pages. SECONDHAND

The Story of Cheviot by Douglas Creswell. An interesting history of the Cheviot Hills district from the days of Robinson, the sale and then the founding of the borough and county. The first hundred years of the Cheviot district, published in an edition of 1000 copies by the Cheviot County Council in 1951.

Cheviot County Council. Hardback with very fine dust jacket. 178 pages. SECONDHAND

A comprehensive history of Kaikoura from the days of Te Rauparaha, whalers, farmers, pioneers, timber millers and fellers to the growth of roads, shipping and coach services. A good source for social and family historians alike.

Kaikoura County Council. Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 373 Pages. SECONDHAND

A pictorial history of 150 years of the Selwyn District containing much new and original material gathered together by the Ellesmere Camera Club.

Ellesmere Camera Club, 1997. Softback. 279 pages. SECONDHAND

Ashburton. Its Pioneers and its History 1853-1939 by John Brown. This superb work of local history by John Brown of Lowcliffe was published as a Centennial Memorial for the Ashburton County and Borough Councils 1940.

Ashburton County Council, 1940. Hardback, with dustjacket. SECONDHAND

A history of the South Canterbury settlement of Tinwald. Describes its origins, the establishment of its schools, churches, farms, businesses and industries. A good social and family history resource.

Timaru Herald. Harback. Illustrated. 190 Pages. SECONDHAND

The Maori searched for and then traded the precious poenamu along ancient trails across angry swolen rivers, through sombre forests and over trecherous snowfields into the heart of the Southern Alps. This book describes those trails and their history. Maps and illustrations.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1984. Softback. 192 pages. SECONDHAND

A story of pioneering the lonley Mackenzie country by the Mrs Hosken who with her carpenter husband drew the ballot for Simons Station, also includes stories of the Mount Cook region. Published 1964.

Timaru Herald Co., Ltd. Hardback with dust jacket. 204 pages. SECONDHAND.

In 1863 John Henry Whitcombe and the Swiss guide Jakob Lauper made a pioneering and demanding thirteen day journey across the Southern Alps that ended with Whitcombe's death by drowning. This is Lauper's narrative reprinted from the Canterbury Provincial Gazette.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1960. Softback. 70 pages. SECONDHAND

Report of the expedition and death of Henry Whitcombe by Jakob Lauper. Here for the first time is an accurate translation of Lauper's dramatic eye witness account of the traverse of the main divide over the pass that now bears Whitcomb's name and the drowning of the explorer as he attempted to cross the flooded Taramakau River. Illustrations.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2010. Softback. 142 pages. NEW

A guide to the history, geography, flora and fauna of Athur's Pass and the Otira Gorge. Dedication on title page and some sellotape damage to covers.  Published 1925. (Bagnall B400). Illustrated, 20 black and white photographs.  

Whitcombe and Tombs. Softcovers. Illustrated. 68 Pages. SECONDHAND.

Handbook of Arthur Pass National Park its History, Tracks, Climbing Routes, Place Names, Geology & Botany. Compiled by R.S. Odell and published under the auspices of the Arthur Pass National Park Board. FIRST EDITION 1935. Paper covers, yapped edges, some wear.

Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Christchurch. Paper covers. 103 pages. SECONDHAND. 

The author has recorded the many engineering challenges, social history and tragedies of the building of the road to the West Coast via Arthur's Pass.

Heritage Press Ltd., Palmerston North, 2005. Softback. 120 pages. SECONDHAND

A thorough history of the South Canterbury region from the Moa hunter days to the centennial of European settlement. History of the S.Canterbury runs, Timaru, Waimate, Temuka, Fairlie, Burkes Pass, Geraldine, Mackenzie and Tekapo. Many illustrations, maps and plans. Published 1958.

South Canterbury Centennial Committe. Hardback with dust jacket. 507 pages. SECONDHAND. 

Some historical records of the pre-settlement period, annotated and analysed. Early whaling, Bishop Selwyn, Edward Shortland, Tuhawaiki, Creed and Mantell. Published 1956.

Southland Historical Committee, Invercargill. Softback. 64 pages. SECONDHAND

An illustrated booklet by a well known writer about the beauties of the Mt. Cook region. Photographs by Joseph Kinsey and Wheeler & Son. One of a series of New Zealand booklets. Edition of 4000. Bagnall B414.

Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1910. Card cover, yapped. 51 pages. SECONDHAND

A light-hearted look at rural life about South Canterbury 1900-1975. Farming, traction engines, motorcycling and the Pareora Football Club. Signed by the author.

Timaru Herald Company, 1975. Hardback with dust jacket. 215 pages. SECONDHAND

A glossary of past events and a guide to the town and district edited by his worship the mayor and published in the jubilee year of the borough 1879-1929. An oustanding and well illustrated regional history. Published 1929.

Borough of Waimate. Paper covers. 183 pages with advertising. SECONDHAND

The story of the Glens of Tekoa, a Canterbury station owned by the same family for over 100 years. A limited edition of 400 copies for private circulation.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1963. Hardback with dust jacket. 109 pages. SECONDHAND.

Mona Anderson married the manager of Mount Algidus, a Canterbury high country  sheep station bounded by the Wilberforce River and Southern Alps. A compelling social history of high country life in the early to mid 20th century.

A.H. & A. W. Reed. Wellington, 1963, Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 212 pages. SECONDHAND

The fourth book about Mount Algidus station by Canterbury's most popular high country writer, tells of the wildlife that was all around her during her 27 years living there.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1968. Hardback with dust jacket. 166 pages. SECONDHAND

Chosen by the authour this brings together the best of her ever popular earlier books and covers her move from Mt. Algidus to the down country town of Darfield.

A.H & A.W. Reed Ltd., Wellington, 1981. Hardback with dust jacket. SECONDHAND

Mt Algidus is one of New Zealand's best known high country sheep stations. Moana Anderson brought it to public attention with her well loved book of recollections about early station life there. This book updates the station's history by teling the story of a city boy and country girl who helped manage the station from 1999.

Hazard Press. Softcovers. Illustrated. 133 Pages. NEW.

A history of the mountains and mountaineers of the Erewhon region of the Canterbury high country. The story begins with the journeys of J. Ackland, Julius von Haast and Samuel Butler and continues with the explorations of J.R. Dennistoun followed by the alpine club climbers of the 1930s. Published 1978.

A.H. & A.W. Reed Ltd., Wellington. Hardback with dust jacket. 156 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of Aoraki/Mount Cook and those who explored the region and those who pioneered routes to the top of the mountain. Published 1968.

Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Christchurch. Hardback with dust jacket. 253 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of a century of Mackenzie Highland Agricultural and Pastoral Shows held every Easter Monday in the South Canterbury town of Fairlie.

MacKenzie A & P Society, Fairlie, 1998. Hardback with dust jacket. 344 pages. SECONDHAND

An illustrated booklet by a well known writer about the beauties of the Copland Pass from Hokitika to the Hermitage. One of a series of New Zealand booklets. Edition of 2000. Bagnall B406.

Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1913. Card covers, yapped. 47 pages. SECONDHAND 

The Story of the Mackenzie Country high country from the days of the explorers and squatters to the establishment of the high country sheep stations. Describes the lives of the shepherds, shearers and wagoneers, who forged this community. Deatails of all the high country stations established in the region.

Hardback with dust-jacket. Illustrated. 275 Pages. SECONDHAND

A history of local government in the region as it was transformed from a back-blocks wilderness into a thriving county.

Timaru Herald Company, 1983. Hardback with dust jacket. 260 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of Charles Tripp, his wife Ellen Harper and their descendants and the fortunes of their station Orari Gorge in the south island high country. Published 1967.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington. Hardback with dust jacket. 172 pages. SECONDHAND

The author lived nearly all her life on Bluecliffs the great South Canterbury sheep run. This book charts the history of the people, the land, the animals and plants. An outstanding record. Published 1982.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington. Hardback with dust jacket. 290 pages. SECONDHAND

A biographical essay about John Grigg who arrived in canterbury in 1854 and transformed a swamp into a productive farm at Longbeach. Some sellotape marks on inside covers.

Hardback with dust-jacket.64 Pages. SECONDHAND

An account of the Moriori as explorers and navigators, their settlement of the South Island, games and weapons, moa hunting, Moriori religion, mythology and their afterworld. Includes geneological tables. Rare, published in 1941.

Otago Daily Times. Softcovers, bumped. 74 Pages. SECONDHAND

A vivid and detailed account of probabably the most remarkable journey of exploration ever made in New Zealand. Thomas Brunner travelled from the infant settlement of Nelson down the Buller river and south along the west coast as far as the glaciers. The return journey was north to the Grey river and Cape Foulwind and back along the Buller. This is his journal. Pegasus Press. First published in 1952.

Pegasus Press. Hardback with dust jacket. 110 pages. SECONDHAND.

In 1846 Brunner and his Maori guides set off from Nelson and travelled down the Buller river and from its mouth down the coast to South Westland, an epic of early NZ exploration and travel. This is the first biography of Brunner and includes his own account of the great journey.

Nikau Press, Nelson, 2006. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 288 pages. NEW

Mr Exporer Douglas by John Pascoe. Tells the story of Charles Douglas who pioneered the exploration of the rivers and mountains of South Westland.

A.H. & A.W. Reed. Hardback with dust-jacket. 331 pages, illustrated. SECONDHAND

Golden Prospects. Chinese on the West Coast of New Zealand by Julia Bradshaw. The story of the Chinese who came to the West Coast during the gold rush of the 1860s and onwards. Greymouth, Shantytown (West Coast Historical & Mechanical Society Inc), 2009.

Shantytown. Softcovers, illustrated, 294 pages. NEW

Gerhard Mueller surveyed the West Coast during the gold rush and his letters to his wife in Invercargill written between 1865 and 1866 provide a glimpse into the isolation of the West Coast and the chaos of frontier society.

Pegasus Press. Hardback with dust-jacket. 238 pages.SECONDHAND

Mundy recounts his experiences tree felling and goldming on the West Coast, Marlborough and Nelson. Signed by the author, published 1953.

Donald Mundy. Card covers, worn. 150 Pages. SECONDHAND

This very impressive book is still the best account of the West Coast gold rushes, Phillip Ross May was a scholar with an international reputation. This copy is of the first edition published by Pegasus Press, Christchurch in 1962. Very good condition.

Pegasus Press. Hardback with dustjacket, slight chips. 587 pages with illustrations. SECONDHAND.

The book recalls the days when Hokitika was 'the most rising place on earth', enjoying unchallenged supremacy as the goldfields emporium, the sixth town in the Colony, and New Zealand's busiest port.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1964. Softback with folds. 48 pages. SECONDHAND

A facinating saga of the most rigorous and adventurous of the New Zealand gold fields. Touches briefly on the tragedies which stalked the early explorers and continues with stories of courage, panic, success, resource, failure, unbelievable privation and sacrifice, equal to the gold rushes anywhere.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1959. Hardback with dust jacket. 223 pages. SECONDHAND

Records in a lively style the life, colour and atmosphere prevailing in the early days of settlement and is filled with authentic anectdotes of the struggling and adventurous population of the gold rush days. Fascimile reprint.

Capper Press, Christchurch, 1976. Hardback with dust jacket. 258 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Grey County, Westland, published to mark its centenary. Full of interesting facts, details and historic photographs. Includes list of gold dredges and the 1875 directory.

Greymouth Evening Star Print, 1960. Card covers. 88 pages. AS NEW.

A 1993 record of the development of Greymouth and district and some of the activities and achievements of its citizens, councils and community organisations. Published for the 125th Jubilee of the Grey District.

Greymouth Evening Star Co. Ltd., 1993. Softback. 160 pages. SECONDHAND

A good local history of the district and its people on the northern side of the Grey River, Westland, from the earliest days by an author who was born there.

J. Minehan, Christchurch, 1986. Hardback with dust jacket. 98 pages, illustrated. SECONDHAND

A good local history of the township of Camerons, located south of Greymouth between the New (Kaimaka) and Taramakau rivers, from establishment to include industries and the community. Illustrated.

Camerons Community Club, 2005. Softback. 154 pages. SECONDHAND

A record of the first 120 years of settlement, development and growth in the Marsden Valley, Grey County, Central Westland, 1866 to 1986.

Craig Printing Co. Ltd., Invercargill, 1986. Softback. 184 pages. SECONDHAND

A comprehensive history of the people and the gold mining at Waiuta on the South Island West Coast. This town lasted much longer than most other West Coast gold mining towns. Fully illustrated.

Famous for its dozens of hotels and its casino girls Charleston was New Zealand's classic gold mining town. Springing from nowhere in 1866, it rapidly grew into the bustling prosperous centre of the West Coast gold boom and just as swiftly collapsed when the gold was gone. First publisherd in 1941 this is a fascimile reprint.

Capper Press, Christchurch, 1980. Hardback with dust jacket. 231 pages. SECONDHAND

The historical struggle of the pioneer settlers in the remote valley of the Kopara just west of the main divide in North Westland. Full of colourful characters and extraordinary anecdotes.

Brian Pearson, Wellington, 2007. Softback. 389 pages. SECONDHAND

Gold Days of Nelson Creek, Some History of Events in the Gold Days of Nelson Creek. Peaches Eaton describes the history of gold mining at Nelson Creek in Westland, the origins and fate of a once bustling gold rush town. 2009 (1976).

Cadsonbury Publications. Softcovers, illustrated, 99 pages. NEW

A study of the history of the Irish on the coast who were initally attracted by the gold but many of whom stayed on to form a community with a distinctive character.

Otago University Press, Dunedin, 2007. Softback. 203 pages. SECONDHAND

In March 1868 a priest and a newspaper editor led a mock funeral into Hokitika cemetery to commemorate Fenian agitators hanged in Britain. This action provoked a stong reaction from the authorities and from loyalist miners. This is that history now part of west coast legend and romance.

Grantham House, Wellington. 1990. Softback. 178 pages. SECONDHAND.

Through the Eyes of a Miner, The Photograhy of Joseph Divis by Simon Nathan. Divis, a miner at the Blackwater Mine at Waiuta photographed life in New Zealand mining towns of Blackball, Waiuta and Waihi, where he worked between 1900 and 1935. His legacy is an extraordinary record of the isolated and often dangerous life in frontier communities.

Steele Roberts. Hardback, illustrated, 112pages. NEW

Dennston's Incline Coal From the Clouds, edited by Bill Prebble. A complete illustrated history of the remarkable technical achievement of winning coal from such an inhospitable landsape. Profusely illustrated with maps and photographs.

NZ Railway Society. Softback. 96 pages. NEW.  

A comprehensive history of union and mining affairs in an important coal producing area of the South Island West Coast. Of interest to historians and those researching family history.

Denniston Miner's Union, Westport, 1984. Softback. 110 pages. SECONDHAND

Coal Gorge and the Brunner Suspension Bridge by Brian Wood. A comprehensive and well illustrated history of the mining and industrial activity of this famous West Coast area.

Bright Print, Greymouth, 2004. Softback. 194 pages, illustrations.  SECONDHAND. 

A good impressionistic account of a South Westland tour, a crossing of the Hasst Pass and the Matukituki, including a chapter on Captain Head's ascent of Mount Aspiring. Second edition 1916. This copy in a Christ's College, Canterbury full leather prize binding and was the 'Balfour Divinity Prize' of 1926.

Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd. Hardback (full leather). 219 pages, 47 plates and 2 maps. SECONDHAND. 

The story of the Big Bay district on the South Westland coast and its life and land as experienced by the author over many years.

Hodder & Stoughton, Auckland, 1974. Hardback with dust jacket. 152 pages. SECONDHAND

Into the heart of the Waiatoto valley in the Haast district of South Westland, where the men and women pioneers, musterers, hunters and piolots have few peers for isolation, rugged geography and atrocious weather.

Longacre Press, Dunedin, 2009. Softback. 192 pages. NEW

The Story of Bill Hamilton, New Zealand Farmer, Inventor, Engineer and Jet Boat Pioneer. 

Reed. Hardback with worn dustjacket. Illustrated. 214 Pages. SECONDHAND