The present form of civic government in Christchurch came into force on the 10th of June, 1868, when the members of the Council signed the following declaration: “I do solemnly declare that I will faithfully and impartially, according to the best of my skill and judgment, execute all the powers and authorities reposed in me as a councillor by virtue of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867.” Since that date ninety-seven citizens of Christchurch, exclusive of the present councillors, have been members of the City Council. Their names show that some of the best men of the past and of the present have given their services to the city, which has within its boundaries many civic improvements and public works that testify to a union of enterprise and good sense in the municipal administration.