Mr. Richard Smith, an old Christchurch settler, was well known for many years as a plumber, gasfitter, paperhanger, and art decorator in High Street. He was born in 1828, near Derby, was apprenticed to the trade in Lenton, Nottinghamshire, and for nine years before leaving England was manager for a Derby firm. Mr. Smith remembers the commencement of the railway system in England before he left for Lyttelton in the ship “Cameo” in 1859. After his arrival in the Colony he established himself in High Street, where he conducted business till his retirement some years ago. Mr. Smith inserted the first plate-glass in the Provincial Council Chambers in Durham Street, and fitted up most of the breweries in the early days, and also work connected with many churches from Christchurch to Timaru. Mr. Smith took part in the Masonic ceremony at the laying of the foundation stone of Christchurch Cathedral. He also did considerable work for the “Lyttelton Times” and “Press” company. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic Order, being a past master of Lodge St. Augustine, and third principal of the Royal Arch. He was married in 1850 to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Rogers, of Derbyshire, England, chair manufacturer. Mrs. Smith died in 1890.