movement, he served as major in the 1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Volunteers and as commanding officer, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, of the New Zealand Forces Motor Service Corps. Myers donated the Myers cup to the new Auckland Rugby League in 1910. It was contested as the top prize in the inaugural 1910 season and again in 1911. In 1914 Myers was elected the Auckland Rugby League president and he served in this role until his death in 1926. After a break from politics for a world tour, he entered Parliament for the seat of Auckland East in the , replacing his cousin Frederick Baume and won comfortably. He held his seat until 3 October 1921 when he resigned between general elections, resulting in the . He was an Independent initially, and from 1911 he stood for the Liberal Party. In the short-lived Mackenzie Ministry of 28 March to 10 July 1912 he held three important portfolios; Finance, Defence, Railways, also the Tax Department. From 12 August 1915 to 25 August 1919 he served as Minister of Customs and Minister in charge of Munitions and Supplies, Pensions, Advertising and National Provident Fund during the wartime National (coalition) Ministry, where the gained much acclaim for his efficiency and impartiality. In the 1924 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor, in recognition of his public services. Deciding to leave politics—as he had no wish for a long period of opposition for his party—he left politics in 1921, and also left New Zealand, as he had promised his wife at the time of their wedding that they would eventually return to London where she had grown up. The departure was seen a great loss by many locals. Active for the National Bank of New Zealand, he otherwise led a semi-retired life and took up golf. He died in London in 1926 to the effects of a series of heart attacks. He was survived by his children and his wife Vera. His son, Ken Myers, took over the company. A grandson, Douglas Myers, became CEO of Campbell and Ehrenfried in 1965 and later created Lion Nathan. References |- 1868 births 1926 deaths Jewish mayors New Zealand Knights Bachelor People educated at Wellington College (New Zealand) Mayors of Auckland Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand New Zealand defence ministers New Zealand finance ministers Jewish New Zealand politicians New Zealand Liberal Party