The Office Of The Registrar Of Electors for the Electorates of Christchurch City, Avon, and Riccarton, is at present (May, 1902) in Inglis's Buildings, at the corner of High Street and Cashel Street, the entrance being from the latter street. It is possible, however, that arrangements will be made to remove the office to Maling's Buildings, which are in Worcester Street, nearly opposite the Ladies' Club rooms. Electors are enrolled on sending to the Registrar a claim and a declaration according to the form prescribed by law. There are no fixed periods for making up fresh electoral rolls, but the rolls are revised and printed before a general election and also for any district in which a byelection is to take place. Nor are there any fixed periods for revising and purging the rolls; but it is the duty of the Registrar to keep the roll revised and complete. At the general election of 1899, the roll for Christchurch contained the names of 9976 males, and 10,774 females; and votes were recorded by 8026 males and 8294 females.

Mr. Lyonel Charles Williams, Registrar of Electors for the Districts of Christchurch City, Avon, and Riccarton, was born in 1847, in London, and was educated at Kensington Grammar School. He was trained to mercantile pursuits as an accountant, and came to Lyttelton In 1864, per ship “Golden Sunset.” After some years' various experiences in Canterbury he became manager of the Teviotdale station, near Amberley, where he remained for twelve years. Settling in Christchurch in 1880, Mr. Williams was appointed the first secretary of the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., of which he was one of the promoters. Four years later he removed to Wellington, where he became the first secretary of the United Farmers' Society. After eighteen months he returned to Christchurch and in September, 1896, received his present appointment.