Mr. William Chrystall was well known in commercial circles in Christchurch for many years. He was born in Belhelvie parish, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1839, was educated at national schools in Cruden parish, and brought up to mercantile life in a general merchant's office. Mr. Chrystall afterwards gained experience in London, and was sent out to China by a banking firm in 1870, remaining in that country for several years. Arriving in Lyttelton about the end of 1877. Mr. Chrystall settled in Christchurch, and established the business of Chrystall and Co. Mr. Chrystall was interested in educational maters in Christchurch for very many years, having been a member of the North Canterbury Education Board for six years, during which period he was chairman for two successive years, and was also a Governor of Canterbury College. He was an active member of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce from 1879, and was president during 1881 and 1882. Mr. Chrystall was chairman of the board of managers of Herrick's Home, treasurer of the Canterbury Bible Society, for two years president of the Young Men's Christian Association, and was treasurer of the Christchurch School of Domestic Instruetion. Mr. Chrystall took a very active part in connection with the West Coast Railway League and was for several years its president. He had been a director of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company from its incorporation, and was chairman of the local board of advice of the Australian Widows' Life Assurance Society Ltd. Mr. Chrystall was married in 1877, but his wife died in 1881 leaving two sons. In 1886 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Inglis, J.P., of Christchurch, and there were three sons and two daughters by this marriage. Mr. Chrystall died on the 5th of July, 1901.