FILM OF EARLY SETTLERS

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27670, 28 May 1955, Page 2

FILM OF EARLY SETTLERS

Museum Exhibit As Setting

Scenes for the film “South Canterbury Saga,” which deals in short story sequences with aspects of South Canterbury’s history, are being made in the replica of the Charlotte Jane’s cabin at the Canterbury Museum. Mr D. J. Robertson, of Timaru, who is making the film, arrived in Christchurch yesterday to begin filming. A party of Timaru residents, representing South Canterbury settlers who arrived at Timaru by the Strathallan in 1859, will come to Christchurch today to re-enact events which took place during the ship’s hazardous voyage. These scenes will be shot against the background of the Charlotte Jane’s cabin in the Early Colonists’ Hall. Miss Rose Reynolds, custodian of period costumes at the museum, is supervising the costumes being worn by the cast.

Outside sets will be built in Timaru to represent historical events in the pioneering days of South Canterbury. Parts played by members of the Maori tribes at Arowhenua and Glenavy have already been filmed, including the opening scene showing Raureka bringing greenstone to South Canterbury. Mr Robertson said yesterday that the film would not be shown until 1959. South Canterbury’s centennial year, but he was allowing plenty of time for the production, as all concerned were voluntary workers who could only give limited time to the project.