Lot 858

Description

British Empire Games, 1950, struck in bronze (51mm), by M&K Ltd (Mayer & Kean, Wellington), reverse inscribed 'His Worship/The Mayor of/Auckland/J.A.C.Allum Esq' (M&P.1950/7). In Mayer & Kean box of issue, reverse toned, otherwise uncirculated.

The official commemorative medal given to all officials and competitors. The British Empire Games were held in Auckland after a gap of 12 years caused by WWII. Some 12 countries and 663 competitors took part, attracting 300,000 spectators in seven days of events. The gate takings were ?90,000.

Sir John Andrew Charles Allum, at the time the longest serving mayor in the city's history, Jack Allum dominated Auckland's local political life in the 1940s and 1950s. In particular, his name was to become indelibly associated with the construction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. He was born in Rotherhithe, London, on 27 January 1889. He died in Takapuna (Auckland) on 16 September 1972 aged 83.