Garnet Hercules Mackley
Encyclopedia
Garnet Hercules Mackley (9 December 1883 – 24 April 1986) was a New Zealand
businessman, railways manager and politician.
He became general manager of New Zealand Railways
in 1933. During his tenure, Mackley worked hard to improve the standard and range of services provided by the railways. He won approval for the construction of an inspection car known as the "Red Terror" in which he travelled the entire system inspecting stations and meeting staff. The car’s success encouraged him to order the construction of railcar
s that were to serve the railways for many years, specifically the Wairarapa
, Standard
, and Vulcan
classes.
He also wanted to improve the comfort of passengers, and initiated a local building program which provided the basis of passenger carriage stock for many years.
In 1940 he retired, and was made managing director of the Whakatane Paper Mills.
Mackley then entered politics, becoming a Member of Parliament for the New Zealand National Party
. He was elected as the MP for Masterton
(1943–1946) and then for Wairarapa
(1946–1949), after which he retired.
In 1950 he was appointed to the Legislative Council
by National, as a member of the suicide squad charged with voting for the abolition of the Council (or Upper House).
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
businessman, railways manager and politician.
He became general manager of New Zealand Railways
New Zealand Railways Department
The New Zealand Railways Department, NZR or NZGR and often known as the "Railways", was a government department charged with owning and maintaining New Zealand's railway infrastructure and operating the railway system. The Department was created in 1880 and was reformed in 1981 into the New...
in 1933. During his tenure, Mackley worked hard to improve the standard and range of services provided by the railways. He won approval for the construction of an inspection car known as the "Red Terror" in which he travelled the entire system inspecting stations and meeting staff. The car’s success encouraged him to order the construction of railcar
Railcar
A railcar, in British English and Australian English, is a self-propelled railway vehicle designed to transport passengers. The term "railcar" is usually used in reference to a train consisting of a single coach , with a driver's cab at one or both ends. Some railways, e.g., the Great Western...
s that were to serve the railways for many years, specifically the Wairarapa
NZR RM class (Wairarapa)
The NZR RM class Wairarapa railcar was the first truly successful class of railcars to operate on New Zealand's national rail network...
, Standard
NZR RM class (Standard)
The NZR RM class Standard railcars were a class of railcar operated by the New Zealand Railways Department in the North Island of New Zealand. Officially classified as RM like all other railcar classes in New Zealand, they acquired the designation of 'Standard' to differentiate them from others...
, and Vulcan
NZR RM class (Vulcan)
The NZR RM class Vulcan railcars were operated by the New Zealand Railways Department in the South Island of New Zealand. All New Zealand railcars were classified as RM, and these were known as Vulcan railcars, from the name of the manufacturer, Vulcan Foundry of Britain. - Background :On 9 May...
classes.
He also wanted to improve the comfort of passengers, and initiated a local building program which provided the basis of passenger carriage stock for many years.
In 1940 he retired, and was made managing director of the Whakatane Paper Mills.
Mackley then entered politics, becoming a Member of Parliament for the New Zealand National Party
New Zealand National Party
The New Zealand National Party is the largest party in the New Zealand House of Representatives and in November 2008 formed a minority government with support from three minor parties.-Policies:...
. He was elected as the MP for Masterton
Masterton (New Zealand electorate)
Masterton was a New Zealand electorate, focused on the town of Masterton and the surrounding area.-History:The electorate of Masterton was created at the 1887 elections. Its boundaries were roughly based on those of the Wairarapa North electorate that it replaced, although it was not an exact match...
(1943–1946) and then for Wairarapa
Wairarapa (New Zealand electorate)
Wairarapa is a New Zealand Parliamentary electorate. It was first created in 1859 and existed until 1881. It was recreated in 1887 and has since existed continuously...
(1946–1949), after which he retired.
In 1950 he was appointed to the Legislative Council
New Zealand Legislative Council
The Legislative Council of New Zealand was the upper house of the New Zealand Parliament from 1853 until 1951. Unlike the lower house, the New Zealand House of Representatives, the Legislative Council was appointed.-Role:...
by National, as a member of the suicide squad charged with voting for the abolition of the Council (or Upper House).