Samuel Farr, who came to Christchurch in April 1850 before the planned settlement of the province began, spent twelve years in Akaroa proving an adaptable, versatile colonist before he moved to Christchurch to embark on a career as an architect. His success in competitions, helped establish his practice and his involvement in a wide variety of civic and church activities introduced him to an expanding circle of influential clients. He was competent and inventive, able to meet his clients' needs in costs and style, but was not of the stature of Mountfort or Armson. While his buildings were not outstanding they were highly esteemed by his contemporaries and are worthy of study because they are representative of colonial taste and contributed to the development of Christchurch's architectural character.

As complete a list as possible of his work has been compiled, chiefly from newspaper references, in order that his buildings can be discussed within the overall context of his own development, the Canterbury architectural environment and the wider sphere of Victorian architecture. The first chapter is largely biographical, outlining Farr's background in England, activities in Akaroa and developing career and other interests in Christchurch. In the following chapters his work in different categories of building is described and assessed more full¼ showing his attitudes to current theories and practices in architecture, his approach to design and his interpretation of architectural styles for colonial conditions. An appendix tabulates his known works.

The purpose of the study has been to provide a comprehensive picture of this nineteenth-century colonist's architectural career.