NEW YEAR HONOURS.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 1, 2 January 1924, Page 3

NEW YEAR HONOURS.

TWO NEW ZEALANDERS.

SIR ARTHUR MYERS AND SIR LINDO FERGUSON.

His Excellency the Governor-General has been advised that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the New Year, to confer upon tlie gentlemen named below the honour of Knight Bachelor: —

The Honourable Arthur Mielziner Myers, of Auckland, a former Member of Parliament and an ex-Minister of the Crown.

Doctor Hpnry Lindo Ferguson, C.M.G., M.D., of Dunedin, Eye Specialist: Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Otago University.

SIR ARTHUR MYERS. If ever civic and national good work entitled a man to an honour. Sir Arthur Myers has certainly earned it. Blessed with more than the usual amount of this world's goods, he did not discard the call of duty and spend his life in ease and pleasure. Both his time and his money have been liberally spent on behalf of his home town and the Dominion. To Auckland hia generosity has been munificent. The splendid service he rendered by clearing out the old warren between Grey Street and Queen Street and making Myers' Park was enough to make his name honoured as long as the city endures, but that was only one of his benefactions. Other gifts include pictures, the clock in the Town Hall tower, the free kindergarten in Myers' Park, and h»s latest was the £5000 he handed to the promoters of the Karitane Home. Thames, where he lived for some years, has also experienced his generosity. Sir Arthur was born 56 years ago at Ballarat, Victoria, and when a child of three came to Thames with his people. Later he was taken to Wellington, where he was educated, and at the ago of 16 he went into the employ of his uncle. Mr. Ehrenfried, a wcll-wnown brewer. His capacity for business soon brought him to the managership of the Auckland branch of Ehrenfried and Co., and later, when Mr. Ehrenfried died Sir Arthur became head of the firm, which was eventually amalgamated with Dr. Campbell's business, the amalgamation being known under the name of Campbell and Ehrenfried Co., Ltd.. one of the largest concerns in New Zealand.

Mayor of Auckland from 1905 until 1909, Sir Arthur infused iuto the public work of the city a business-like progress that was something quite now in municipal affairs, and the first of the modern big works were undertaken during this energetic term.

Outside, civic affairs Sir Arthur Myers was keenly interested in many phases of life. He was a Territorial officer, rising to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel; ho was always a strong supporter of outdoor games, and no body of sportsmen who wanted some financial help ever

appealed to him in vain. He was always a popular man, and his place in the community is best indicated by the fact that he was always spoken of as "Arthur Myers."

Sir Arthur's Parliamentary career began in 1010, wben he was returned for City East at a by-election, and he continued to represent it until 1921. when he retired and went with his family to live in England. His ability brought him quickly to the front on the Liberal side, and two years after entering the House he was a member of the Mackenzie Cabinet, making a most capable Minister of Railways and Finance. In the National Cabinet during the war he did splendid work for the Dominion as Minister of Munitions.

When Sir Arthur decided to go Home in 1921 he was appointed New Zealand representative on the London Board of the National Bank of New Zealand. Lady Myers is a daughter of tho late Mr. W. B. Levy, head of David Cohen and Co., London. Last autumn Sir Arthur and Lady Myers paid a visit of several months to Auckland. Although he is living so far away from the city he adorned. Sir Arthur still keeps up his association with it, and last time he "was here he said he hoped to be able to take a run out now and again to see the city and country he loved. SIR LINDO FERGUSON. The other New Zealander to be honoured is Dr. 11. Lindo Ferguson, who is known throughout, the Dominion as a famous eye-specialist. He was born in London of Irish parents in 185 S. and after qualifying he was on the staff of the National Eye and Ear Infirmary. If it had not been for health reasons New Zealand would probably never have received such an eminent surgeon, but ever since 1883 when he arrived in Dunedin he has lived there, and his fame ha 8 been such that he has drawn cases from all over the Dominion, and beyond. He has done splendid work for the Medical School of the University College, Dunedin, and is at present Dean of the Faculty of Medicine there. Lady Ferguson is a daughter of the late Mr. J. L. Buttcrworth. Their son is at present farming in the Bay of Islands district.