Telegraph construction camp, West Coast Rd

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DescriptionTelegraph construction camp, West Coast Rd

Gerard GreenleesContributorGerard Greenlees

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CommentsGeoffrey Bell
This photo was taken around the Bealey area. The gentleman posing in the front middle is Harry Clare. He was in charge of the gang building the Telegraph Line from Christchurch to the West Coast. Harry was an old "Jack Tar" of the British Navy and was a "Blue Jacket" on the HMS Bulldog, hence the clothing he is shown wearing. He was the perfect man for the job with his background working on ship's rigging and discipline with the men. A good man to work for apparently.
The photograph was taken by Burton Bros and they didn't form until 1868, so it would have to be taken after that, but not long I am guessing.

John Rosanowski
The telegraph was "the Internet of the 19th Century." For the West Coast it meant same day connection with news, business arrangements, govt info and personal links around NZ - and eventually around the world. Before the telegraph, those things took weeks, and even months.

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Telegraph construction camp, West Coast Rd

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