Ocean Beach, Dunedin (1883)

A day at the beach was a popular summertime recreation for New Zealanders during Queen Victoria’s reign. North Island cynics may suggest that the heavy clothing worn by the figures in the fore- ground was a reflection of Dunedin’s climate, but even in Auckland little flesh was displayed on the beaches by the prim Victorians. On the crest of the hill in the background can be seen ‘Cargill’s Castle’, which was not so magnificent or well-known as Larnach’s Castle sited on Otago Peninsula.

Starting for the Races (1867)

Although the engraving _shows a scene set in High Street, Dunedin, the enthusiasm for horse racing was typical of all settlements throughout New Zealand, and many a visitor noted with surprise that towns of all sizes boasted a racecourse. In Dunedin at least some schools closed on Cup day.

All England Cricketers (1877)

Lillywhite’s All-England side was the second overseas team to visit New Zealand, the first English side having toured New Zealand in 1864. Despite enthusiasm for cricket, the Colonial players were usually outclassed, and to make the games more equal the English eleven played augmented local teams, such as an Otago Eighteen and a Southland Twenty-two!

Opening of Forbury Park (1871)

Dunedin’s first races were held on 23 March 1849 as part of the first Anniversary Day celebrations, much to the disgust of the Rev. Thomas Burns who felt the day should have been marked only by religious observances. Forbury Park, developed by a private company, was first used in March 1871 and the inaugural meeting was attended by the Governor, Sir George Bowen. In the caption accompanying the engraving it was noted that facilities were provided for drinking and betting!

Tourist Season, Lake Wakatipu (1884)

The magnificent lake and mountain scenery of Central Otago was favourably compared with the scenery of Switzerland, and attracted many visitors both from within New Zealand and overseas. During the summer tourist season many activities were available, including climbing, tennis, and trips on the lake. But the weather did not always co-operate!

Wild Boar Hunting (1875)

Once described as the only true sport to be found in New Zealand and ‘right royal sport’ at that, pig hunting was at one time a popular pastime. The spears used were constructed by firmly fasten- ing one blade of a sheep shear to a pole. Already by the 1870s wild pigs were called ‘Captain Cooks’ or ‘Captain Cookers’ in the belief that they were descended from the pigs first introduced by the great explorer.

Eel Spearing (1877)

This was another popular pastime in nineteenth century New Zealand, which also added variety to country families’ diets. The engraving is of a fishing party on a creek running into Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury. The torches were made by tying old sacking around the flower stalk of the New Zealand flax, and then soaking it in kerosene before lighting.

Volunteers (1870)

With the passing of the Militia Act, 1858, almost every settlement in New Zealand formed its own Volunteer Corps, and some units participated in the campaigns against the Maoris. The Volunteers shown here had gathered in Dunedin to take part in a rifle shooting contest.

Rifle Association Meeting (1879)

The first national shooting competition was held in 1861 and was sponsored by the Government, which also provided prize money.
But after the Maori Wars the New Zealand Rifle Association was formed and it has conducted the competitions ever since. The first camp meeting of the Association was held at Bridgewater, near Nelson, in 1879 and it was here that W. Ballinger won the champion belt. Since 1938 the Belt has been known as the Ballinger Belt after the renowned shooting family.

West Coast Pleasure Cruise (1883)

Over the summer months excursions to the fiords of the South Island were a popular holiday occupation, and the more hardy males would spend some time there under canvas. Aspects of camping life are shown, as well as two of ‘the original settlers’, a penguin and a rather emaciated kiwi. The top engraving shows another ‘original settler’, a weka or Maori hen being caught for the pot.

Princess Theatre, Dunedin (1876)

The Theatre, though often frowned upon by Victorian moralists, provided the main source of evening entertainment before the days of the cinema, radio and television. Theatre interiors were often ornate, as was the new Princess Theatre opened in Dunedin in 1876 after the original of that name had been destroyed by fire. The Princess had a stage 12.5 metres (41 feet) deep covered with ‘elegant carpet’, was brilliantly lit by a centre gasalier, and could accommodate 1,500 persons ‘in comfort’, of whom 1,000 were in the pit.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin (18XX)