FAREWELL TO ORCHARDIST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 174, 25 July 1932, Page 5

FAREWELL TO ORCHARDIST.

DR. R. H. MAKGILL, OF HENDERSON. A farewell social was tendered to Dr. R. 11. Makgill by the Henderson Fruitgrowers' Association on Saturday night, when about 70 persons were present. Dr. Makgill, who is a nephew of the late Lord Haldane and a well-known figure among Henderson orchardists, is leaving shortly for England to engage in research work at the private laboratory of his relative, Dr. John Haldane. He has always been interested in orchards, having previously had one at Waiuku, and he has done a great deal in this country to forward the interests and add to the knowledge of the science and art of fruit growing. His father was Sir George Makgill, of the Indian Army and a member of an old Scottish family. Dr. Makgill saw service in the South African War and also in the Great War, where he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the C.B.E. (military). He has lived in Henderson for 15 years. In presenting Dr. Makgill with a ease of pipes, the president, Mr. R. F. Land, referred in eulogistic terms to his untiring efforts to further the interests of the industry and to the personal affection in which he was held by every member of the association, and said that when he had done Jiis work in England they would all be very happy to welcome him back again. Remarks in a similar vein were made by Mr. B. Carter, an ex-president of the association, and the company heartily joined in singing "For llo's a Jolly Good Fellow" and in giving three cheers. In replying, Dr. Makgill deprecated the generous estimate they had put upon his services and expressed thanks for their good wishes. A musical programme was given by the following:—Mesdames H. Wright, C. M. Spencer, Scott and Howard, and Messrs. R. Carey, A. Dollar and W. Pender.