EX-MEMBER HONOURED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 913, 5 March 1930, Page 10

EX-MEMBER HONOURED

HARBOUR BOARD’S GIFT TO HON. E. W. ALISON 22 YEARS OF SERVICE For 22 years the Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., tvas a member of the Auckland Harbour Board. He t.vas held in the highest esteem by all those with whom he was associated. Yesterday afternoon, at the conclusion of the monthly meeting, members of the board met to present Mr. Alison with a framed photograph of all members who were on the board when he retired last year. The honour of making the presentation fell to Mr. H. R-. Mackenzie, who was chairman of the board when Mr. Alison retired. Mr. Mackenzie, in making the presentation, said that before Mr. Alison’s retirement from the board his colleagues had decided on some form of presentation in recognition of his long' association with the Auckland Harbour Board. Air. Alison had first joined the board in IS9I. “I think that every chairman can speak as I can speak of you,” continued Mr. Alackenzie. “of your wonderful help and foresight in all matters which have been advantageous to the port of Auckland. It must be very gratifying to you to see the progress which has been made and for which you can take your full share.”

Mr. Alackenzie remarked that the presentation was a symbol of good will and friendship and a mark of appreciation of his worth as a member of the board and as a man. Mr. AI. H. Wynyard, chairman of the hoard, speaking in support of Air. Alackenzie. said that he had enjoyed a long personal acquaintance with Air. Alison, for whom he had tile highest regard. “In every walk of life Mr. Alison has the goodwill of all those with whom he comes in contact,” continued Mr. Wynyard. “I have the greatest difficulty in giving expression to my feelings,” said Mr. Alison in reply. “I cannot tell you how gratifying it is for me to hear the words of goodwill and friendship.” JOINED BOARD IN IS9I He said that he had been a member of the Auckland Harbour Board for 22 year’s. He joined the board in 1891-—39 years ago. At that time New Zealand was undergoing a period of extreme depression and the administration of the board’s affairs was a difficult task. However, Auckland had been fortunate in securing the services of very able men. They were men possessed of great foresight. They had given their services gratuitously and were willing to work in order to make Auckland the foremost port in New Zealand. “When I vok back on the facilities for shipping in those days and the general condition of the then young city, and compare them with conditions today—the up-to-date wharves, the facilities for loading and unloading ships, the electric power, the improvements to the City—l am absolutely astonished at the progress which has been made.” remarked Mr. Alison. “This board has always carried out its duties efficiently and well. “My associations with the board have always been very pleasant. I have had differences of opinion with various chairmen, but those have been only honest differences of opinion and they have not in any way affected our feelings of goodwill or of friendship. “We are passing through a difficult time —a time in which it falls on all businessmen and the Government to exercise rigid economy. In saying this r congratulate the board on its policy and congratulate it for being in such a sound position today. “The majority of local bodies have overshot the mark and the charges on the people are so excessive that it is difficult for them to be met. “During the 22 years I was a member of the board I endeavoured to do my duty faithfully and zealously, and when I look back on those days I feel that X have been of some use in helping to advance the welfare of the City to which I belong.” In conclusion Mr. Alison congratulated the board on its highly qualified and loyal officers, without which no undertaking could be carried out successfully. However, the board was possessed of a most efficient aSid loyal staff. He wished everyone success and happiness in the future.