LONG SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 651, 1 May 1929, Page 7

LONG SERVICE

HON. E. W. ALISON LEAVES HARBOUR BOARD BELATED NOTICE After 28 years as a member of the Auckland Harbour Board, the Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., yesterday vacated his seat on that body, following an announcement by the Marine Department that Mr. Ernest Aldridge had been appointed Government representative on the board. rpHE chairman, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, on behalf of the board paid a great tribute to Mr. Alison’s work during his long years of service. He was sorry that the powers that be had not seen fit to reappoint Mr. Alison. “You can claim a lot of the credit for what the Aucklaud board is to-day,” said the chairman. “Few have had the long record which you have had, that of over 50 years in the service of the public.” He conveyed to Mr. Alison the warmest and heartiest goodwill from the board. The deputy-chairman of the board, Mr. M. H. Wynyard, said most of the members of the board had known Mr. Alison since they were boys. They had always held him in the highest esteem in every position he had occupied in public or private life. Replying to the eulogies heaped upon him, Mr. Alison spoke in a very feeling manner. He said he fully appreciated the resolution which had been carried. He had always endeavoured to discharge his duties in every office he had held to the best of his ability. He traced his connection with the board since he joined it in 1891, stating that in 1913 he had been appointed the Government representative, which position he had held till a few days ago. He had received a telegram on April 18 from the Secretary of Marine, which read: “Acting on the advice of the Minister of Marine, I have to advise you that you have not been reapointed to the Auckland Harbour Board.” The telegram also couveyed the thanks of the Government to Mr. Alison for his services during liis term of office. Mr. Alison wondered what .motives had actuated the Government in de- ( laying the notification till the day after the nominations for the board closed. He traced the wonderful progress of the port in recent years, and paid a tribute to the board’s officials. Mr. Mackenzie shook hands with the “Father of North Shore,” saying, “I will say farewell, not good bye,” and Mr. Alison left the board room and the counsels of the body with which he has been connected for close on three decades. He is to be presented with a photo of the members of the board.