Garnet Hercules Mackley

Background

Mackley was born in Portuguese Chalmers.

Career

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. The car’s success encouraged him to order the construction of railcars 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. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Masterton (1943–1946) and then for Wairarapa (1946–1949), after which he retired.

Achievements

• 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

Membership

Mackley then entered politics, becoming a Member of Parliament for the New Zealand National Party. In 1950 he was appointed to the Legislative Council by National, as a member of the so-called suicide squad charged with voting for the abolition of the Council (or Upper House).