SERVICE TO THE PORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20243, 1 May 1929, Page 15

SERVICE TO THE PORT.

HON. E. W. ALISON'S WORK.

TRIBUTE BY HARBOUR BOARD.

TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT.

The service of liie Hon. E. W. Alison as a member of the - Auckland Harbour Board for 28 years was very cordially recognised at the board's meeting yesterday. Mr. Alison's term as Government nominee having expired recently, Mr. E. Aldridge, Mayor of Devon port, was appointed in his place. In acknowledging the remarks of the chairman and vice-chairman, Mr. Alison expressed disappointment at the manner in which the Government's decision had been communicated to him, namely, after and not before the last date upon which recommendations for the appointment could bo received in Wellington. The chairman, Mr. H. E. Mackenzie, in moving that the board should place on record its appreciation of Mr. Alison's long and. valuable services, said that he . was very sorry the Government had not seen fit to continue him in office. Mr. Alison had always taken a broad view of his duties, and by his active work had done much toward making the Port of Auckland what it was tc-day. Over Fifty Years' Public Service. Few men in Auckland bad a longer record of public service than Mr. Alison, —he believed-it extended over 50 years. He had worked for the good of the whole community, and had earned the respect and esteem of those who knew him best. The members of the . board offered him their heartiest goodwill, and although he was no longer with them they looked forward to meeting him in other capacities. Mr. M. H. Wynyard, vice-chairman, in seconding the motion, said that the members regretted the need of parting with Mr. Alison. Most of them had known him sir.ee they were boys, and all were glad to acknowledge the high esteem in which his public and private life was held. The motion was carried. " I thank.you for your sincere but far too complimentary remarks about my activities as a member of ■ this board," said Mr, Alison, in reply. He was sure the members would acquit htm of affectation when he said that he had always tried to discharge his duties faithfully and to the best of his ability. Ho had tried to assist the progress of the port, to improve the facilities for shipping, and to deal fairly between town and country. " A Regrettable Action."

He had been elected in 1891 as a representative of the payers of dues on ships and goods, and had held office until 1902, when he had been elected to> Parliament. In 1913 he had been appointed to the board again as Government nominee, and had held office until a few days ago. On April 18 he received a telegram from the Secretary to the Marine Department, notifying him that he would not be reappointed and briefly expressing the Government's appreciation of his services. He did not wish to criticise the decision, although it would have been a gracious action on the Government's part tc have reappointed him, but he felt that the notice should have been sent while recommendations were still receivable, and not the day after the period had expired. He hoped that this regrettable action would not bo repeated by the present or any suture Government.

Mr. Alison mentioned that in 1891, when he joined the board, the latter's assets were valued at £622,720. Last year they were £5,181,665. In the same period the annual revenue had risen from £33,819 to £380,454. He was glad to feel that he had done his part in bringing about this remarkable progress. He appreciated the members' goodwill and thanked them all very sincerely, k The board proposes to present Mr. Alison with a group photograph as a parting gift. ~