THE HON. A. M. MYERS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 86, 11 April 1912, Page 3

THE HON. A. M. MYERS.

An Auckland citizen of influence and standing whose judgment and opinion a.re held in high repute', writes a to Tho Poet the following appreciation of the new Minister of finance, Railways, aud Defence:-— "The appointment of the Hon. A. M. Myeiti as Minister in charge of the triple departments of Finance, Railways, and Defence has evoked a certain amount of criticism. Concerning his position ati a brewer 1 shall not deal, as I consider buch criticism in questionable ta&te and unworthy of discussion. At Auckland, where Mr. Myers is well-known, he 011joye a unique reputation amongst all classes of thecommunily. lie is recognised a 6 a business man of rare qualifications, with an absolute and correct knowledge of finance in .all its bearinga. His unfailing courtesy, "seriee of fairness, and sympathy with the workers, have earned for him an enviable reputation. For several years Mayor of Auckland he pulled the city out of a long period of municipal _ soinriolescencfc and maugurated enterprises and improvements which have materially ttsaioted to make Auckland wha^ it is to-day. He has v great capacity for business which is transacted en up-to-date lines. As the qualities of Mi 1 . Myers become known thioughout the Dominion it will, I venture to think, b& found to be- a fortunate circumstance that Ihe Departments of Finance and Railways have fallen to hie lot. "Without touching on party politics, it is well known that in tho Public VTorks Vund and in the Railway Department bookkeeping theie^ are methods that are considerably questioned by business men. For instance, the Railway Department now shows au item of neaily halt' a million annually for "additions to open lines" financed from loan moneys. It is questioned if much of this amount is not merely tho replacement of old buildings und worn-out materials which should be met by a depreciation fund provided for out of railway earnings. Mr. Myers has tho correut knowledge of whaL constitutes sound linance, and he has the firmness Io insist on tho right methods, but alwajs in a tactful way. His dealings with matters now under hie control may bo awaited with considerable- interest, and 1 venture to predict that a 111010 intimate knowledge of hi«> abilities and qualities will dissipate ciiLiciem."