in December 1848. A quick but thorough exploration of the plains left them in no doubt that they had found an ideal site for Canterbury.

Preparations in Canterbury

With Thomas's suggestion, Governor Grey and Bishop Selwyn decided to site the Canterbury Settlement in this area rather than in the Wairarapa. With Godley, Thomas and his companions set about arranging immigration barracks and the other necessary infrastructure for the settlement at Port Cooper and the new Christchurch. Port Cooper had been named after the proprietors

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