Ell stood as a prohibitionist for a seat in the City of Christchurch electorate in 1896.

In the 1875 election, he contested the City of Christchurch electorate.

He was elected onto the council on 11 June 1866 for the City of Christchurch electorate.

Bealey was again elected onto the Provincial Council on 8 May 1862, this time in the City of Christchurch electorate.

At the 21 December 1875 election, he stood in the City of Christchurch electorate for the 6th New Zealand Parliament.

Indeed, when Duncan was urged by many quarters to stand for the 1875-76 election in the City of Christchurch electorate, he declined.

He contested the City of Christchurch electorate at the 1896 general election in December and this time was returned as a Member of Parliament.

There were seven contenders for the four available positions in the City of Christchurch electorate.

He then represented the City of Christchurch electorate on the 5th Council from June 1866 to March 1870.

Collins represented the City of Christchurch electorate in the New Zealand House of Representatives from 1893 to 1896 and again between 1899 and 1902.