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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Whitecliffs

Whitecliffs, at the terminus of the branch railway line from Darfield, is situated about forty-two miles west from Christchurch, and is said to have obtained its name for the colour of the clay in the neighbouring hills. It occupies a wide valley, traversed by the Upper Selwyn river, is surrounded towards the north, west, and south-west by mountain ranges, and is essentially a sheep grazing district. The local pottery works, owned by Mr. H. F. Wigram, of Christchurch, are of importance to the industrial life of the district, and many of the residents are employed at them. The township is small and compact, and comprises a public school, a church—used by the Wesleyan and Baptist bodies—and a post and telegraph office, together with several places of business. Whitecliffs has a daily mail service, by rail, with Christchurch.