Time capsules held no hidden treasures

Canterbury Museum director University Anthony Wright with the time capsule found after the February 22 earthquake. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The time capsules unearthed in the Christchurch earthquake have provided a snapshot of the past, but no hidden treasures.

Capsules found under the statue of John Robert Godley in Cathedral Square and from the rubble of the old civic building contained editions of The Sun, The Star and the Lyttelton Times from 1918 and 1922, as well as official city council documents from 1921 such as the council's balance sheet and a statement by the deputy mayor at the time.

Also inside was a blue book dated 1922 which contained photos and panoramas of Christchurch.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker admitted the contents were mainly everyday stories rather than any "unique treasure."

He said the financial statements of the time would be of great interest to historians.

Mr Parker said the capsules would eventually be replanted, with the addition of the stories of the earthquakes in September and February.

The Christchurch public would be asked what else should be added to the capsules before they were returned, he said.