N.Z. SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25363, 10 December 1947, Page 8

N.Z. SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE

MR W. O. RENNIE NOT RETURNED

Mr W. O. Rennie, ot Doyleston, who has represented Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, on the New Zealand School of Agriculture since its inception, was defeated in an election for two representatives yesterday morning. The successful candidates were Messrs G. W. R. Osborne, a farmer, of Doyleston, and W. C. Colee, chairman of. the Canterbury University College Council. When notice was given that Mr Colee and Mr Rennie would retire by rotation at the end of the year, Mr J. R. D. Johns moved that they be reappointed. Mr G. G.*Rich nominated Mr J. E. Strachan, principal of the Rangiora High School. Declining nomination because of other obligations, Mr Strachan nominated Mr Osborne, who. he said, had recently earned a high distinction (the Bledisloe medal).

Here, Mr C. Carr, M.P., jocularly protested that a speech in favour of a candidate should not be made in proposing a nomination. “I seem to recall some very good speeches in support of a nomination for Speaker of the House,” said Mr M. E. Lyons, amid laughter. Mr Colee offered to withdraw in favour of Mr Osborne; but his nominator, Mr Johns, said he thought a vote should be taken.

Mr Rennie, who was presiding in the absence of the chairman (Mr H. S. S. Kyle), announced the result, and added: “I’m sorry, gentlemen, that I will not be able to continue this job, and that I have not retained the confidence of the bpard.” A motion recording appreciation of his services was proposed by Mr C. T. Aschman. Mr Rennie had represented the college on the School of Agriculture ever since it was instituted and had given outstanding service, he said.