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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr Ewen William Alison

Mr Ewen William Alison again (1900) represents the Takapuna Riding in the Waitemata County Council. He was born in Auckland in 1855. On leaving school he entered a printing office, but, finding the confinement unsuited to his health, he left that employment, and in conjunction with his brother, Mr Alexander Alison, now manager of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company, started an extensive butchering business, which they carried on most successfully for fourteen years. On retiring from that business. Mr Alison took up various commercial undertakings, which have all been successful in his hands. He was the founder of the Devonport Ferry Company's service, the assured success of which is in a large measure attributable to Mr Alison's perception, unflagging energy, and knowledge of business. Mr Alison was returned to a seat on the Waitemata County Council, when he was only twenty-three years of age, and at that time he remained a member of the Council for nine years. On the formation of the Devonport Borough page 146 Council he was elected one of the first councillors, and continued to sit in that capacity until 1889, when he was elected mayor, and held the office for five consecutive years. He was then obliged to decline further re-election on account of the demands made on his time by his extensive business interests. During his terms as Mayor Mr Alison introduced and successfully carried out, against much opposition, the Devonport water supply, which has proved to be of inestimable benefit to the inhabitants of Devonport. It was also during his term of office that Parliament passed four Acts conveying valuable endowments to the borough, the affairs of which were, in fact, quite revolutionized during Mr Alison's mayoralty. The pavements in the borough were systematically made and tarred, and other important works carried out, chiefly in consequence of his initiative and persistency. Mr Alison is largely connected with the coal trade, and holds valuable interests in various coal mines. He is at present a member of the Conciliation Board of Auckland, and has, by reason of his fairness and impartiality, gained the confidence of both employers and workers. Mr Alison is chairman of the Takapuna Jockey Club, the most successful suburban racing club in the colony. He is still a member of the Devonport Borough Council, is chairman of directors of several prominent and successful goldmining companies, and is chairman of directors of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company, and also of the Taupiri Coal Company. Mr Alison was for two terms a member of the Auckland Harbour Board, and during that period he was chairman of the Finance Committee.