CHRISTCHURCH SKETCHBOOK—II Joyous Remnant Of Early Days

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31659, 20 April 1968, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH SKETCHBOOK—II Joyous Remnant Of Early Days

(Specially written for “The Press” by J. A. HENDRY F.N.Z.1.A.) The Pegasus Press office in Oxford Terrace, overlooking the Avon, has had eight owners, of whom four, between 1853 and 1908, were members of the medical profession. It was first owned by Longdon D. Le Cren, general storekeeper, in 1850, and sold with a house on it In 1852 to Captain Talbot Harvey for £115.0.0. He apparently was a music lover, for he advertised for “a collection of good part music arranged for piano and voice.”

However, the following year Harvey sold to Dr Burrell Parkinson, who in 1862 was appointed the first surgeon to the Christchurch Hospital. Of the three following owners, all doctors, one. Dr T. Fisher, was a friend of Samuel Butler, and eventually bought the Grampians Station in the Mackenzie Country. Another, Dr J. W. S. Coward, held many important posts in the city, while the last, Dr Ben Moorhouse, was a wellbeloved figure. Obviously this house must have been the venue of many discussions on the hospital and its many problems. In 1952 the Pegasus Press bought it and converted it into offices. It is a simple building which yet masses up very well and has some delightfully designed detail. Per-

haps its most characteristic feature is the whimsical front porch, under which nestles so invitingly the main door, completely sheltered from the elements. This single storey front portion is said to have been prefabricated, which is quite possible, the full height vertical stops covering the joints. These are emphasised by curved brackets finishing in turned finials in the form of a cross. The steep roofs and handsome chimneys add distinction to the later two-storey addition, and tie the whole concept together. Internally, too, it is interesting with a quaint dog-leg stair, well lit, and large rooms of pleasant proportions. Indeed, it is a joyous remnant of early Christchurch.