Part of the furnaces or ovens unearthed in central Christchurch.

NZHPT

An exciting archaeological discovery was made during the demolition of an earthquake damaged building in central Christchurch in September. Six brick furnaces or ovens, likely associated with the Scott Brothers’ Atlas Engineering Works, were unearthed in an area formerly associated with industry from the 1870s.

During the demolition of the 1920s building at Dundas Street (part of the Smiths City retail complex at 550 Colombo Street), the removal of a concrete floor slab exposed a cellar containing two brick furnaces or ovens. Further excavations, under a New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) archaeological authority, revealed another four ovens, remains of flues and associated features, such as stamped bricks from three different brickmakers. One oven still contained fuel, believed to be coke, indicating that these were high-firing furnaces. 

NZHPT Heritage Adviser Dr Christine Whybrew says the discovery is significant as a piece of Canterbury’s early industrial history.

“It is possible the furnaces date from 1885 when the Atlas Engineering Works were awarded the first contract to supply 10 locomotives for the New Zealand government.  Discoveries such as this helps Cantabrians learn more about their past before it is removed or covered completely.”

 NZHPT Archaeologist Frank van der Heijden says the discovery highlights the work of archaeologists recording the city’s history following the devastating earthquakes. 

“In this instance Smiths City will be preserving the site – but it will be filled and covered by a proposed car park as part of their new development.  The important aspect is that the site will remain in-situ, and that it has been recorded.”