HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMANSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 67, 19 March 1915, Page 3

HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMANSHIP.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —With the retirement of Mr. J. H. Gunson from the chairmanship of the Harbour Board, which position almost everyone will admit he has filled with energy and great ability, the important question will arise for the Board of the selection of a successor worthy to take his place. There is probably no municipal body in the Dominion, which has larger responsibilities and power for public good than the Auckland Harbour Board, and its right or wrong action in the public interests depends very largely upon the character and practical ability of its chairman, and his prudent and wise leadership. This is not a position where the claims of seniority in membership should limit the scope of choice amongst the members of the Board. What is wanted is a level-headed man of practical experience in business matters, and with plenty of energy and backbone, regulated by the necessary tact and common sense. It appears to } mc that all those qualifications are to be I found in the person of one of the present I members of the Hoard. I refer to Mr. Hugh McKcnzie, who has shown v competent grasp of Harbour Board matters since he became a member. As the able .chairman of the Manukau County Council, he has had a chiet part in putting in hand and carrying through to success the building of the Msngcre Bridge and the Tamaki Bridge now in course of construction, both important works, not without their financial and other difficulties, which had to be surmounted. Mr. McKcnzie is a young man and of local birth and training. So was Mr. Gunson. As one has proved a marked success as chairman of the Harbour Board, so, in the opinion of all who know him, will the other young Aucklandcr acquit himself equally well. Perhaps it is not too soon to ascertain if, when the new Board is elected, Mr. McKcnzie would accept nomination to the chairmanship, if he is still a member. — I am. etc., A HARBOUR BOARD ELECTOR.