Meek, James McKain, 1815-1899 :Canterbury, the past and present, from the original pen and ink drawing. Lithographed by J. T. Smith & Co., Christchurch [1882 or 1886?]

An ornate arrangement of panels of text, of various typeface, and featuring the clouds of glory of the British Empire. Each Canterbury town is described in a decorative panel of its own. A history and chronology of major events in Canterbury's history is given, and several local businessmen are named: Robert Watson, tailor and habitmaker; John Moore, boot and shoemaker; D Inwood, baker and miller; Drs Donald and Barker, medical profession; W Wilson, nurseryman and seed merchant; C W Bishop, storekeeper and general mertchant; George Gould, storekeeper and general merchant; Golden Fleece Hotel, Ellis and Cartner; A J Alport, auctioneer and commission agent; J Anderson, blacksmith and practical engineer; R Wormald, solicitor and conveyancer; Joyce and Turner, butchers.

From the poster itself, the date appears to be around 1882, because of the last date on the chronology. However, biographical notes about Meek mention a date of 1886 or 1887 for his Canterbury poster.

Other Titles - Christchurch, situated in Lat. S. 43 [degrees] 31'.34" Long. E.172 [degrees] 38' Cathedral), is the most central city of the Middle Island of New Zealand. "A future Britain for a southern world". The city is, at the present time, the capital of the rich agricultural district of Canterbury ... integral part of our great Empire on which the sun never sets, and o'er which Victoria our Royal Queen sways her royal sceptre.

Quantity: 1 b&w photo-mechanical print(s) on poster.

Physical Description: Lithograph on poster, 1020 x 685 mm.

Surface is mildewed, stained, with a piece missing from the top left.