The Registration Office For Births, Deaths, and Marriages at New Plymouth was established in the year 1901, and is situated in Rowe's buildings, in Brougham Street.

Mr John Charles Smith was appointed District Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Registrar of Medical Practitioners, and Vaccination Inspector, in the year 1901. He is the second son of Mr. E. M. Smith, M.H.R., and was born in Wellington, in 1871. Mr. Smith was educated at private and public schools in New Plymouth, and by tutors. Afterwards he learned the butchering business, and was for about five years manager of a local shop before he received his present appointment. He was a member of the New Plymouth Fire Brigade for eight years, was one of the founders of the Star Football Club; and is also a member and secretary of the New Plymouth Psychological Society. He married a daughter of Mr. Harry Rowson, of Stratford, in 1904, and has one son.