New Housing Block Being Developed By Styx Bridge

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28758, 2 December 1958, Page 8

New Housing Block Being Developed By Styx Bridge

One of the newest subdivisions in Papanui is at the extreme Northern end of the district, by the Styx overhead bridge on the Main North road. The 30 houses built or being built on the east side of the Main North road and Farquhar’s road are the forerunners of 300 which will eventually be built on this land, which is owned by Christ’s College. Several of the houses are already occupied, and gardens are being cultivated. On the opposite side of the Main North road, another area of land with access from Barnes road is being opened up for housing. Great progress has been made in Papanui in recent years in house and factory construction. Where there was first swamp, bush, fern and tussock and then farms and orchards, houses and gardens now take up most of the area. The density of population is ever increasing. In the early days there was

only a track from Christchurch to Papanui. where' there was a bush of about 70 acres. This bush was mostly white pine, red pine, and totara. Native quail were so plentiful in the open land that a settler could shoot as many as he wanted. Bullock teams going from Christchurch to Papanui had to make wide detours to avoid the swamps and springs, first at “Strowan" and then at Bligbs road. Only an expert bullock driver eould hope to go to the Papanui . bush and return to Christchurch the same day with even a small load of timber. The bush swarmed with kakas and native pigeons. It is recorded Hjpt it was no unusual thing for settlers to shoot paradise ducks, grey ducks, add teal from the verandas of their houses According to a book published in 1903, the first house M any importance erected at Papanui was one brought from England in 1851 by the Bev. G. Dunnage. Another house was brought out in 1851 in the ship Fatima by a Mr Green. ‘‘ln 1852 almost the only residents at Papanui were sawyers,” the book says. "Even in those days a public house was deemed a necessity and an American named Carr opened and kept what he called the Sawyers’ Arms.” Modern Shops Where bullock teams had difficulty in making their way, a busy road is bordered by modern shops which cater for most of the needs of the population. Like all other suburbs, Papanui has a community life of its own. This centres chiefly on what was usually known as the terminus—the junction of the Papanui, Harewood, and Main North roads. Here, the Christmas illuminations are already in place in the streets, and shopkeepers are also helping to make the shopping centre gay with bright displays. The face of the shopping area has been completely changed in the last 10 years or so. New blocks of shops have been built in the modern style. One has just been completed, and another is under construction. Increased business has brought other facilities and amenities. The trading banks have branches at Papanui to meet local needs.