Allen, Keith Reading, 1931-1984 (Person)

Politics: Member of Parliament for the Tauranga electorate for four terms, from the 1972 election through to 1984, chosing not to contest due to ill-health. When he announced his retirement in March 1984 he was Minister of Customs, Minister in charge of the Government Life Insurance Office, Minister in charge of the State Insurance Office, Minister in charge of the Earthquake and War Damages Commission and Associate Minister of Trade and Industry.

1972 Under-Secretary to the Minister of Trade and Industry. 1982 Minister of Customs. He joined the National Party in 1954 and was electorate chairperson.

Employment: British Phosphate Commission. California Production Ltd (Company Secretary). Started own accountancy practice in Rotorua and owned a service station there.

Boards: Bay of Plenty Harbour Board. Catchment Commission. Fire Board and Electricity Authority. Road Safety Committees. Rotorua City Council finance committee (chairperson). Local school committees.

Organisations: Tauranga Businessmen's Association. Paraplegics Association. Tauranga Rotary Club (president).

Sports: Patron of the Bay of Plenty Cricket, Archery, Football and Paraplegics Associations, and the Tauranga Deep Sea Sea Angling Club. Foundation member of Wasps Rugby Football Club, rugby.

Education: Mount Albert Grammar School. University of Auckland (accountancy).

Funeral: 30-minute service for family and close friends was held at Elliotts Rosebank Chapel, Tauranga on 23 July 1984. Speakers included Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon and Captain Cliff Overton of the Salvation Army. Pallbearers were Tom Barron, Eric Anderson, Douglas Ross, Ian MccCarroll, Peter Barry and Tim Wilson.