OBITUARY

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28099, 15 October 1956, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR R. J. CHRISTENSEN Mr Robert John Christensen, who for 35 years was head gardener at “Ilam”—formerly the property of the late Mr Edgar Stead—died in Christchurch last week. From his youth, Mr Christensen was a keen horticulturist. In 1905 ht joined Nairns Nurseries, and a few years later he went to “Ham,” which then was little more than scrub and broom. Together with Mr Stead, he was responsible for forming the renowned gardens on the property. Roses, rhododendrons, and azaleas w’ere Mr Christensen’s most favoured flowers, and many of the rlarUs *t “Ham” were his seedlings. Until six weeks before his death, he still visited “Ham” regularly. He was also a very keen fisherman. A life member of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, nd a former member of the society’s management committee, Mr Christensen was often called upon to judge at flower shows throughout the province.