Alexander Harris (New Zealand politician)

Member of parliament

Alexander Harris represented Waitemata in the House of Representatives for 24 years from 1911 to 1935.

Independent

In July 1927, Alex Harris publicly stated that he wanted more "freedom of action" and announced that he had "no intention of attending any caucuses of the Reform Party".

Harris and his colleague, Vivian Potter, were opposed to Gordon Coates and his moves to introduce public ferries and buses to compete with private enterprise in Auckland; an approach they regarded as "socialist". In retaliation, Coates removed Harris from his position as Chairman of the Commerce Select Committee.