MEMBER FOR 16 YEARS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 640, 17 April 1929, Page 6

MEMBER FOR 16 YEARS

MR. MACKENZIE’S SERVICES TO HARBOUR BOARD WAIUKU CANAL SCHEME (From Our Own Correspondent) PUKEKOHE, Tuesday. “The finances of the Auckland Harbour Board speak for themselves, and, as chairman for such a long period, I can claim my share of the credit for its progress and prosperity,” said Mr. H. R Mackenzie, retiring chairman, in his initial pre-election meeting at Pukekohe this evening. Mr. G. T. Parvin presided. The candidate prefaced his remarks by stating that he was first elected to the board some 16 years ago, was deputy chairman for four years and chairman for seven years. Since he had assumed office the assets had more than doubled and the revenue increased by two and a-half times, as compared with that of 1913. Proceeding, the speaker referred to the works undertaken by the board of late, including those on the Manukau Harbour. The sinking fund commissioners for the board bad some £70,000 for investment annually, the large proportion being loaned to farmers. Of the £390,000 on mortgage at the present time, £312,000 was on farm lands. Dealing with the Waiuku Canal, Mr. Mackenzie said a scheme had been prepared and was ready to be submitted when those concerned were prepared to accept their share of responsibility. The rating area would be from Cambridge to Auckland, and the saving in transport would be great. The flat lands at Aka Aka and Otaua would be better drained if a canal existed. Asked for liis views regarding the proposed bridge over the Waitemata Harbour, the candidate said the hoard was not fostering the project and would offer no objection to its construction provided it did not interfere with water traffic. The loss in revenue, if it was constructed, would be negligible. The candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.