Update on my ship books!

I am currently writing a book entitled "The Clipper Ship Sebastopol - New Zealand Immigration Ship 1861-1863"  The blurb is as follows:

"The Sebastopol was a fine clipper ship that made two voyages from London, England to Lyttelton, New Zealand loaded with immigrants for the Provincial Government.  From voyages of cargo and Chinese passengers, to the suicide of a ships surgeon, the Sebastopol has an interesting past.  Extensive research has uncovered the ship's final demise after leaving New Zealand in 1863, which ended its short career. 

This is the first time the full story of the Sebastopol has been told, with the most accurate passenger lists available for the Sebastopol journeys."

The book is now available.  Click here to purchase your own copy!

My next book which won't take too long to write is the "Gananoque" which will be ready early next year sometime.  After that I am working on the "Brother's Pride" and have a list of shipsto research after that even!!!

Old Picture of Christchurch circa 1960

Here is an old picture of Christchurch, taken from outside the Canterbury Museum, looking down Worcester Street (now Worcester Boulevard).  This was taken by my Great Grandfather Arthur Cyril Pearce (known as Cyril) and was in a bunch of old slides of his.  I have been scanning them recently.

You can see the Christ Church Cathedral spire in the background and the rose window, and also the dome of what was the Regent Theatre.

The Arts Centre is to the right of the photo, but was Canterbury College possibly when this photo was taken.

Due to the Canterbury Earthquakes this scene is very different now.  Also it is unlikely we will have such a beautiful cathedral again.