The golden years

arry’s business interests were in Gane Milking Machine Company and Gane Engineering Ltd, sound businesses but highly exposed to downturns in the farming and engineering sectors. Run by Noel Paton and his son Eric Paton, Gane Engineering was getting a great reputation for high quality engineering. In 1926 the company designed, built, and installed the clock in the tower of the new university in Princes Street.

Harry’s business and political career suffered major setbacks once the Depression bit deeper into the community. The growth of the Gane company was tied to the farming industry. Butterfat had been 2/6d (25c) a pound in 1920. It was now down to 11 ½d, less than the cost of production. Dairy farmers were beginning to walk off their farms. They were unable to invest in the new milking machinery which could have lifted their profits.

In November 1928 Harry won his, February), and possibly because of it, Harry found himself disenchanted with the politicians around him. He declared himself an Independent, unable to continue as a United Party member, declaring his preference for the policies of Gordon Coates’ Reform Party. He was looking towards a National coalition government to get the country through the Depression. In the political turmoil that followed, Harry resigned his seat in Parliament, forcing a by-election in May 1930. While Harry put his name forward as a candidate for the Reform Party, he was beaten by Bill Endean, who took the seat.