PROFESSOR A. H. TOCKER

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26125, 30 May 1950, Page 3

PROFESSOR A. H. TOCKER

RETIREMENT FROM UNIVERSITY CANTERBURY COLLEGE TRIBUTES Professor A. H. Tocker’s retirement from Canterbury University College was marked by an academic reception in the college hall last evening, attended by members of the college council, the professorial, lecturing, and administrative staffs, and their wives. Best known for his work in the economics department, Professor Tocker had been a member of the staff for 29 years when his active association with the college ended last February, said Sir Joseph Ward, chairman of the council. For 23 years he had occupied the chair of economics. In six full sessions as rector, Professor Tocker had steered the college through a period of phenomenal development in the late war years and after, Sir Joseph Ward said. Particularly good at grasping a situation quickly, summing it up in a few telling words, and promptly translating ideas into action, Professor Tocker had been a forceful chairman of the Professorial Board and brought the same qualities to the college council, the academic board of the University of New Zealand, and the Senate itself. Throughout this career, Mrs Tocker had been closely interested in her husband’s work, and showed her own enthusiasm in the Federation of University Women, said Sir Joseph Ward. Staff and students always welcomed her at college functions for her wide sympathies and human point of view in wide interests.

Sir Joseph Ward unveiled Mr Archibald F. Nicoll’s painting of Professor Tocker. which will hang with those of other former rectors in Ihe college hall. He presented a cheque to Professor Tocker.

The present rector (Dr. H. D. Hulme) said his association with the guest of honour was short but intimate. Coming to a new country and a new job, it was invaluable to have the experience and advice of his predecessor in learning the traditions and relationships within the college. Mr H. S. Williams, president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, paid a tribute from the business community. In 1925 Professor Tocker undertook the preparation of thechamber’s monthly economic bulletin. In the 25 years since he had written a great volume of material which was read with respect throughout the Dominion.

“We came to Christchurch with a three-months-old baby. We now have three grandchildren. You might say that these have been the most productive years of our lives,” said Professor Tocker. The place he had taken in the life of Christchurch arose from “a series of accidents” stemming chiefly from a troop-ship journey in the First World War. Professor J. B. Condliffe. Mr Williams, and others well known in Christchurch were his cabin mates. Interest in economics sprang from’those associations, and the men concerned were largely responsible for his entering the work he had done for so long in the college and the chamber. Greatest acknowledgement must be made to Sir James Hight for advice in the economics department and in the college as a whole. Mr William Machin had also been a good friend.