MR. C. J. MCKENZIE, C.B.E

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 1, 2 January 1936, Page 10

MR. C. J. MCKENZIE, C.B.E

Mr. C. J. McKenzie, C.8.E., has been Under-Secretary and Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department since 1932. He was born in Dunedin 50 years ago, and after completing his education at the Otago Boys' High School, he entered the Public Works Department as an engineering cadet in March, 1897. After nearly a year at head office he» was transferred to the Midland railway construction works between Jackson's and Otira. He remained on this job until July, 1900, when he went to the north end of the North Island Main Trunk works. He became an assistant engineer in 1901 and he worked at various points on the Main Trunk line between Poro-o-taro and Ohakune. After the rails were linked up in 1908 he was placed in charge until the line was handed over to the Railway Department in February, 1909. His next assignment was the charge of the Taranaki and Main Trunk districts in which the construction of the Stratford main line and the Mount Egmont branch railways was in progress. Mr. McKenzie was then placed in charge of the whole of the railways and roads in the Taranaki, Wanganui, and Te Kuiti districts. The eastern end of the Stratford Main Trunk railway and the Raetihi railway were begun about this time, and in 1910 Mr. McKenzie was promoted to the rank of resident engineer.

In 1913 he was transferred to Wellington as relieving officer to assist the Engineer-in-Chief, and he held this position until promoted in 1915 to be district engineer for Otago and Southland. Mr. McKenzie was promoted to be staff engineer in Wellington in 1919. In August, 1920, he became inspecting engineer and in the same month assistant Engineer-in-Chief, and in 1932, on the retirement of Mr. F. W. Furkert, he was appointed to his present position. Mr. McKenzie is an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a member and past president of the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers.