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The survey and naming of Sumner occurred in 1849, with the settlement being honored after John Bird Sumner, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Answer: True
Explanation: The statement is correct. The survey and naming of Sumner took place in 1849. The settlement was named in honor of John Bird Sumner, who held the significant positions of Archbishop of Canterbury and president of the Canterbury Association.
Captain Joseph Thomas is credited with naming the settlement of Sumner.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Captain Joseph Thomas was involved in the early settlement and surveying, he did not name the settlement after himself. It was named in honor of John Bird Sumner, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Edward Jollie's initial 1849 survey plan for Sumner was adopted and became the foundation for the town's layout.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. Edward Jollie's 1849 survey plan was ultimately abandoned due to a lack of funds. The current town layout is based on a subsequent survey conducted in 1860.
Charles Crawford, identified as a whaleboat owner, is recognized as the first European to undertake work in Sumner, primarily involving the transport of materials for Captain Joseph Thomas.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Charles Crawford, a whaleboat owner, is believed to be the first European to perform work in Sumner, specifically transporting materials for Captain Joseph Thomas's construction projects.
Sumner was settled by European work crews in the late 1840s, establishing it as one of the earliest European settlements within the Christchurch region.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. European work crews settled Sumner in late 1849 or early 1850, contributing to its status as one of the earliest European settlements in the Christchurch area.
The Dobson family was the first to establish a permanent residence in Sumner.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The Day family was the first to establish a permanent residence in Sumner, followed shortly thereafter by the Dobson family.
According to Commander Drury's 1854 chart, Dobson's house was located near the corner of Nayland Street and Wakefield Avenue.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. According to Commander Drury's 1854 chart, Dobson's house was situated at the end of the spur at the foot of Richmond Hill, near the intersection of Nayland Street and Wakefield Avenue. Day's house was located near the corner at the top end of Nayland Street.
Who was John Bird Sumner, the individual after whom the settlement was named?
Answer: The Archbishop of Canterbury and president of the Canterbury Association.
Explanation: John Bird Sumner was the Archbishop of Canterbury and the president of the Canterbury Association, the organization instrumental in the settlement of the Canterbury region.
What was the ultimate disposition of Edward Jollie's initial 1849 survey plan for Sumner?
Answer: It was abandoned due to a lack of funds.
Explanation: Edward Jollie's initial 1849 survey plan for Sumner was abandoned due to a lack of funding. The current town layout is based on a subsequent survey conducted in 1860.
Who is recognized as the first European to perform work in Sumner, and what was the nature of his role?
Answer: Charles Crawford, a whaleboat owner transporting materials.
Explanation: Charles Crawford, a whaleboat owner, is recognized as the first European to perform work in Sumner. His role involved transporting materials for Captain Joseph Thomas.
What factor contributes to Sumner's designation as one of the oldest European settlements in the Christchurch area?
Answer: European work crews settled there in late 1849 or early 1850 to build a road.
Explanation: Sumner is considered one of the oldest European settlements in the Christchurch area because European work crews began settling there in late 1849 or early 1850 to construct a road connecting to Lyttelton.
Which family holds the distinction of being the first to establish a permanent residence in Sumner?
Answer: The Day family
Explanation: The Day family was the first to establish a permanent residence in Sumner.
According to Commander Drury's 1854 chart, where was Day's house situated?
Answer: Near the corner at the top end of Nayland Street, set back from the foreshore.
Explanation: According to Commander Drury's 1854 chart, Day's house was situated near the corner at the top end of Nayland Street, set back from the foreshore.
Historically, Sumner originated as a separate borough prior to its eventual amalgamation with the city of Christchurch.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is true. Sumner was initially established as a separate borough and later amalgamated with Christchurch. Its history does not indicate it began as part of Christchurch.
Sumner's first shop was established in the early 1870s, with its proprietor also serving as the postmaster for an extended period.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Sumner's first shop was established in the early 1870s, and its proprietor, S. E. Horneman, served as the postmaster from 1873 to 1876.
Following the abolition of provincial councils in 1876, Sumner's governance was exclusively managed by the Heathcote Road District.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. After the abolition of provincial councils in 1876, Sumner initially came under the Heathcote Road District but was subsequently also governed by the Selwyn County.
Sumner was constituted as a town district in 1883, administered by a board comprising five elected commissioners.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Sumner was officially constituted as a town district in 1883 and was governed by a board of five elected commissioners.
Sumner was proclaimed a borough in 1891, with the first Mayor being the former chairman of the town board.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Sumner was proclaimed a borough on June 1, 1891, and the individual who had served as the chairman of the town board was subsequently elected as the first Mayor.
A public bath was constructed at Sumner beach in 1885, remaining undamaged by storms throughout its operational history.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The bathing pool constructed at Sumner beach in 1885 was repeatedly damaged by storms and eventually closed due to accumulating silt and clay from floods.
Sumner established its own gasworks in 1912 and received an electricity connection in 1918.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Sumner developed its own gasworks in 1912 and was connected to electricity in 1918.
Describe the evolution of Sumner's administrative status.
Answer: It began as a separate borough and was later amalgamated with Christchurch.
Explanation: Sumner began as a separate borough. It later transitioned through periods governed by road districts and county councils before being constituted as a town district and subsequently proclaimed a borough. Ultimately, it was amalgamated with Christchurch City.
In what year was Sumner's first shop established, and who held the position of its first postmaster?
Answer: 1873, S. E. Horneman
Explanation: Sumner established its first shop in the early 1870s, specifically in 1870. S. E. Horneman, the proprietor of this shop, also served as the postmaster from 1873 to 1876.
Following the abolition of provincial councils in 1876, which administrative bodies assumed governance over Sumner?
Answer: The Heathcote Road District and the Selwyn County.
Explanation: After the abolition of provincial councils in 1876, Sumner was initially governed by the Heathcote Road District. Subsequently, it was also governed by the Selwyn County.
In what year was Sumner officially constituted as a town district, administered by elected commissioners?
Answer: 1883
Explanation: Sumner was constituted as a town district in 1883.
What significant administrative transformation occurred in Sumner on June 1, 1891?
Answer: It was proclaimed a borough.
Explanation: On June 1, 1891, Sumner was proclaimed a borough, marking a significant administrative change in its governance structure.
What was the ultimate fate of the bathing pool constructed at Sumner beach in 1885?
Answer: It was repeatedly damaged by storms and eventually closed.
Explanation: The bathing pool constructed at Sumner beach in 1885, despite initial popularity, was repeatedly damaged by storms and eventually closed after being filled with silt and clay from floods.
In what year did Sumner gain access to electricity?
Answer: 1918
Explanation: Sumner received its electricity connection in 1918.
Prior to its amalgamation with Christchurch, how did Sumner function as a focal point for adjacent suburbs?
Answer: It served as a focal point for residents who often considered themselves part of Sumner.
Explanation: Before its amalgamation with Christchurch in 1945, Sumner acted as a focal point for neighboring suburbs such as Clifton, Richmond Hill, and Scarborough. Residents in these areas frequently identified with Sumner, utilized its services, and shared telephone exchange numbers.
What was the historical significance of the route via Sumner for transportation between Lyttelton and Christchurch?
Answer: It was essential for transporting goods too dangerous or large for the tunnels.
Explanation: The route via Sumner held historical significance as a necessary land connection between Lyttelton and Christchurch from the early days of settlement. Post-tunnel construction, it remained vital for transporting goods unsuitable for tunnel transit due to size or hazard.
What primary reason is cited for small-town boroughs, such as Sumner, becoming uneconomic to operate?
Answer: Improvements in communication technology.
Explanation: The primary reason cited for small-town boroughs becoming uneconomic to operate was improvements in communication technology, which facilitated easier integration with larger administrative centers.
Sumner's geographical characterization as primarily inland and situated away from the coast is accurate.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Sumner is fundamentally a coastal suburb, defined by its location on Sumner Bay, facing Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and separated from other Christchurch suburbs by coastal hills.
The Māori name Matuku Tako Tako designates the beach area situated between Cave Rock and Scarborough, and this name is presently utilized by local city libraries.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Matuku Tako Tako is the Māori name for the beach area between Cave Rock (Tuawera) and Scarborough, and it is indeed currently used by the city libraries.
Sumner is geographically situated inland, separated from the coast by extensive plains.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. Sumner is a coastal suburb, separated from other parts of Christchurch by rugged volcanic hill ridges, not extensive plains.
Sumner beach's fine grey sand and gentle slope render it unsuitable for surfing.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. Sumner beach's characteristics, including its ocean exposure, can create conditions suitable for surfing, making it a popular location for the activity.
The river valley situated behind Sumner beach has historically been free of flooding issues due to effective natural drainage.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The river valley behind Sumner beach experienced flooding issues in the past, particularly at the head of the valley, due to a reverse slope created by sand dunes. This has since been mitigated by a flood drain.
Coastal erosion along Sumner beach is managed through the implementation of a sea wall and a wide esplanade.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. A sea wall and a wide esplanade have been constructed along Sumner beach to mitigate coastal erosion.
Cave Rock, identified by the Māori name Tuawera, was historically referred to by Europeans as Shag Rock.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. Cave Rock, known as Tuawera in Māori, was historically referred to by Europeans as Cass Rock, not Shag Rock.
What is Sumner, New Zealand, primarily recognized as?
Answer: A coastal seaside suburb of Christchurch.
Explanation: Sumner is primarily known as a coastal seaside suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, characterized by its location on the coast facing Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
What is the Māori name designated for the beach area situated between Cave Rock and Scarborough?
Answer: Matuku Tako Tako
Explanation: The Māori name for the beach area between Cave Rock (Tuawera) and Scarborough is Matuku Tako Tako.
In what manner is Sumner geographically distinct from other Christchurch suburbs?
Answer: It is separated by rugged volcanic hill ridges that drop to the sea.
Explanation: Sumner is geographically distinct as it is separated from other Christchurch suburbs by rugged volcanic hill ridges that descend directly to the sea, rather than lying within the extensive plains.
Which geographical feature contributes to Sumner beach's popularity for surfing?
Answer: Ocean exposure allowing for high surf under certain conditions.
Explanation: Sumner beach possesses a gentle slope and is covered with fine grey sand. Its exposure to the ocean allows for the development of high surf under specific swell conditions, rendering it a popular surfing location.
What measures have been implemented to mitigate coastal erosion along Sumner beach?
Answer: Building a sea wall and a wide esplanade.
Explanation: A sea wall and a wide esplanade have been constructed along the full extent of Sumner beach to address coastal erosion.
What is Tuawera, a prominent geological feature located on Sumner beach?
Answer: A rocky volcanic outcrop
Explanation: Tuawera is the Māori name for Cave Rock, a prominent rocky volcanic outcrop that dominates Sumner beach.
What geological feature dominates Sumner beach and is identified by the Māori name Tuawera?
Answer: A rocky volcanic outcrop
Explanation: The geological feature that dominates Sumner beach and is known by the Māori name Tuawera is a rocky volcanic outcrop, also referred to by Europeans as Cave Rock.
The Sumner Bar is characterized by its calm waters and is considered safe for novice swimmers.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The Sumner Bar is known for its dangerous conditions, including fast currents, strong undertows, and rips, making it hazardous for swimmers and vessels.
Commander Byron Drury of HMS Pandora surveyed Sumner Bay in 1854, producing a chart that included soundings of the bar.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. In December 1854, Commander Byron Drury of HMS Pandora conducted a survey of Sumner Bay, including the bar and estuary mouth, for the Canterbury Provincial Council, resulting in a detailed chart.
The first recorded loss of life associated with the Sumner Bar occurred in 1851 due to a dinghy capsizing.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. While a whaleboat capsized in 1845 without loss of life, the first recorded fatality on the Sumner Bar occurred in 1851 when a dinghy capsized, drowning two individuals.
Between 1851 and 1867, fifteen vessels were recorded as stranded on the Sumner Bar, with seven resulting in total losses.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Historical records indicate that fifteen vessels were stranded on the Sumner Bar between 1851 and 1867, and seven of these incidents resulted in total loss of the vessel.
The iron-hulled steamer Mullogh ran onto Shag Rock in 1865 and was subsequently dismantled at sea.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The iron-hulled steamer Mullogh ran aground on Cave Rock (Tuawera) in 1865. It was later purchased, refitted, and used until 1869, not dismantled at sea.
What factors contribute to the Sumner Bar being considered a significant maritime hazard?
Answer: It experiences strong currents, undertows, and rips.
Explanation: The Sumner Bar is considered a significant hazard due to the presence of fast currents, strong undertows, and rips, posing risks to both maritime navigation and swimmers.
What was the primary objective of Commander Byron Drury's 1854 survey of Sumner Bay?
Answer: To chart the bay, bar, and estuary for the Canterbury Provincial Council.
Explanation: The purpose of Commander Byron Drury's survey of Sumner Bay in 1854 was to chart the bay, the bar, and the estuary for the Canterbury Provincial Council, producing a detailed chart with soundings.
What was the earliest recorded maritime incident involving the Sumner Bar that resulted in loss of life?
Answer: 1851, a dinghy capsized.
Explanation: The earliest recorded maritime incident involving the Sumner Bar where lives were lost occurred in 1851, when a dinghy capsized, drowning two individuals.
Between 1851 and 1867, how many vessels were recorded as total losses on the Sumner Bar?
Answer: 7
Explanation: Between 1851 and 1867, seven vessels were recorded as total losses on the Sumner Bar.
What event occurred involving the NZ Trawler Muriel in 1937?
Answer: It ran aground on Sumner Beach and had to be dismantled.
Explanation: In 1937, the NZ Trawler Muriel ran aground on Sumner Beach. It was deemed a total loss and subsequently dismantled on the site of its stranding.
What is the historical rationale for Sumner maintaining a lifeboat service?
Answer: Due to the significant hazard posed by the Sumner Bar.
Explanation: Sumner has historically maintained a lifeboat or similar rescue craft service, dating back almost to its initial settlement, primarily due to the significant hazard presented by the Sumner Bar.
What is the traditional name applied to three of the lifeboats operated by the Sumner Life Boat Institution?
Answer: Rescue
Explanation: The name 'Rescue' holds traditional significance as it has been applied to three of the lifeboats operated by the Sumner Life Boat Institution.
The Sumner Bar is situated at the confluence of which two waterways and the sea?
Answer: Heathcote and Avon rivers
Explanation: The Sumner Bar is located at the confluence of the Avon Heathcote Estuary (formed by the Heathcote and Avon rivers) and the sea.
The 2011 Christchurch earthquakes resulted in significant cliff collapses in Sumner and rendered numerous buildings uninhabitable.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. The 2011 Christchurch earthquakes caused substantial cliff collapses in Sumner and rendered many local houses and commercial buildings uninhabitable.
Shag Rock, known by its Māori name Rapanui, was shattered into boulders as a consequence of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Shag Rock (Rapanui) was significantly impacted by the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, resulting in its fragmentation into a pile of boulders.
What was a principal consequence of the February 22, 2011, Christchurch earthquake experienced in Sumner?
Answer: Many local houses and commercial buildings were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.
Explanation: A major consequence was the destruction or rendering uninhabitable of many local houses and commercial buildings. Subsequent earthquakes also caused significant cliff collapses.
What was the effect of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes on Shag Rock (Rapanui)?
Answer: It was shattered into a pile of boulders.
Explanation: The 2011 Christchurch earthquakes caused Shag Rock (Rapanui) to shatter into a pile of boulders.
What is the estimated population density of Sumner as of June 2024?
Answer: Approximately 1,364 people per km².
Explanation: As of June 2024, the estimated population density of Sumner, covering an area of 2.64 km², is approximately 1,364 people per km².
According to the 2018 census data, what was the median age in Sumner, and how did it compare to the national median?
Answer: 42.6 years, higher than the national median.
Explanation: The 2018 census reported the median age in Sumner as 42.6 years, which is higher than the national median age of 37.4 years.
In the 2018 census, what was the predominant ethnic affiliation reported by residents of Sumner?
Answer: European/Pākehā
Explanation: The predominant ethnic affiliation reported by Sumner residents in the 2018 census was European/Pākehā, accounting for 95.6% of the population.
In the 2018 census, what percentage of Sumner residents reported having no religion?
Answer: 57.6%
Explanation: In the 2018 census, 57.6% of Sumner residents reported adherence to no religion. Correspondingly, 33.5% identified as Christian, with smaller proportions adhering to other religious affiliations.
In the 2018 census, how did Sumner's median income compare to the national median?
Answer: Sumner's median income was higher than the national median.
Explanation: The 2018 census indicated that Sumner's median income was $43,600, surpassing the national median income of $31,800.
What was the employment status breakdown for Sumner residents aged 15 and over, according to the 2018 census?
Answer: 50.6% employed full-time, 17.9% employed part-time, 2.4% unemployed.
Explanation: The 2018 census data revealed that 50.6% of Sumner residents aged 15 and over were employed full-time, 17.9% were employed part-time, and 2.4% were classified as unemployed.
William Orange, a notable figure in Sumner's history, served as vicar from 1930 to 1945, the same year Sumner was annexed by Christchurch City.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. William Orange served as vicar from 1930 to 1945, and Sumner was annexed by Christchurch City in 1945.
Identify William Orange and describe his connection to Sumner.
Answer: The vicar from 1930 to 1945.
Explanation: William Orange was an Anglican evangelical leader who served as the vicar of Sumner from 1930 to 1945.
Pascoe House, a historic site in Sumner, exemplifies which architectural style?
Answer: Post War Modern Domestic
Explanation: Pascoe House, built in 1948, represents the Post War Modern Domestic architectural style.
What is the current student enrollment for Sumner School (as of July 2025)?
Answer: 337
Explanation: As of July 2025, Sumner School reports an enrollment of 337 students.
The site now occupied by Ko Taku Reo originally opened in 1880 as what type of institution?
Answer: A boarding school for hearing-impaired children (Sumner School for the Deaf).
Explanation: The site originally opened in 1880 as the Sumner School for the Deaf, a boarding school for hearing-impaired children.
Beyond operating his school, what roles did C. L. Wiggins fulfill within the Sumner community?
Answer: Church organist, Sunday school teacher, tennis club member, and local politician
Explanation: In addition to his educational contributions, C. L. Wiggins was actively involved in the Sumner community as a church organist, a Sunday school teacher, a founding member of the Sumner Lawn Tennis Club, and in local body politics.
Which notable individuals are mentioned in the source material as being associated with Sumner?
Answer: Painters Rita Angus and W. M. Hodgkins, librarian Ruth France, and architect Samuel Hurst Seager.
Explanation: The source mentions painters Rita Angus and W. M. Hodgkins, librarian and novelist Ruth France, architect Samuel Hurst Seager, and early landowner Edward Dobson, among others.
What architectural style does Paul Pascoe's residence, Pascoe House (constructed in 1948), represent?
Answer: Post War Modern Domestic
Explanation: Pascoe House represents the Post War Modern Domestic architectural style.
What was the function of the buildings constructed by C. L. Wiggins, which were later leased and sold to the Government School for the Deaf?
Answer: They served as dormitories and school rooms for his own school.
Explanation: The buildings constructed by C. L. Wiggins served as dormitories and school rooms for his own educational institution. These facilities were subsequently leased and sold to the Government School for the Deaf in the mid-1880s.