THE NEW MEMBER.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 266, 15 May 1907, Page 2

THE NEW MEMBER.

Mj> H. JT. H. Okey is the second son of Mr E. Okey, senior partner of the firm of Okey, Son, and Arnold. He has lived practically the whole of his life on Frankley road, within a few miles ofvNew Plymouth. In his childhood there were no public schools, but he received some little education at Mr Sohofield's school at New Plymouth. Since he reached the age of 12 years he has been engaged in farming pursuits, and he i now has a farm of his own on Frankley road. He first became connected with local government affairs as a i member of the Franklin Road Board some twenty-five years ago. He has been chairman of that body for over twenty years. For many years he held the honorary post of sole executive officer for the Board. When he was elected to the Taranaki County Council in 1893, the roads of the district were in a very bad state, and the finances were no better. For three years Mr Okey served under the chairmanship of Mr W. ' Bewley. He was elected to fill the chair on Mr Bewley's retirement. He was chairman for nine years, but did not offer himself for re-election at the last contest. It is admitted that during the period of his administration the roads were greatly improved, and the finances were put in order. In the year precedinghis retirement, considerably over £2000 was added to the funds of the county, while the condition of the roads was maintained at a high standard. Having always taken an interest in agricultural matters, Mr Okey was appointed president of the Taranaki Agricultural Society for a term, and held the office of vice-president for several years. He has been chairman of the Frankley Road Co-operative Dairy Company since its formation, about twelve years ago. This was one of the first of the co-operative companies. Mr Okey has also to his credit some service on a school committee.' He was a candidate for the Taranaki seat in Parliament at the general election in 1902. He polled well, but was defeated by the late Mr E. M. Smith. At the last general election he was the sole Opposition candidate, while four Government men were m the field. Mr Okey came within 220 votes of defeating the late member. . __._