The records of the Society of Canterbury Colonists includes minutes drawn up by the First body of the Canterbury Colonists at their rooms 1A Adelphi Terrace [London] : the "Society of Canterbury Colonists" April 25, 1850.

At the back of the handwritten original minute book is the text: "1850. Book for registering the names and occupations of parties desirous of emigrating to the settlement of Canterbury in New Zealand." Only one name is entered, Joseph Gilbert, his wife and 8 children.

"The Foundation of Canterbury", a Press article about the Society minutes, published 25/10/1900, has been pasted in at the front of the book. Also includes a typescript copy of the minutes book, made in January 1953.