Obituary DR. J. R. ELDER

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29799, 16 April 1962, Page 15

Obituary DR. J. R. ELDER

Dr. John Rawson Elder, who died in Dunedin last week, was the first professor of history at the University of Otago. Dr. Elder was born in Gibraltar and received his education at Aberdeen University where he graduated with first-class honours in English language and literature, and in history. In 1915 he was appointed lecturer in modern history at Aberdeen University and in 1918 he became lecturer in British history. Dr. Elder was appointed professor of history at Otago University in 1920, a position he was to hold until he retired in 1944. He was then granted the honour of emeritus professor. Dr. Elder published several books on New Zealand history. They included “Marsden's Lieutenant.” “Letters and Journals of Samuel Marsden," and “A History of the Presbyterian Church in New Zi?aland.” ' Dr. Elder is survived by his wife, two. sons and a daughter.

Mr J. M. Buckeridge (N .Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. April 15. The death has occurred in London of Mr J. M. Buckeridge. a Wellington man whose ability advanced him to a succession of senior positiohs in the British Air Ministry.- Latterly he was head of the Ministry’s department of aerodromes. Some will remember him for the part he played as Acting Controller of Civil Aviation, before the establishment of the Civil Aviation Administration, in laying down the foundation upon which commercial operations have since developed His services to New Zealand aviation began in 1929. when he was instructor to the New Zealand Air Services. forerunner of the R.N.Z.A.F.. and carried through until 1946 in military and civil air activities. He was 54. Looking L’p.— Calgary’s public aquarium has an upside-down fish. The twopound sheepshead lost its sense of balance when it inhaled toxic gases during transportation from Manitoba. The curator has now devised a life-jacket for it made out of cork and tied it behind its gills to keep it the right way up.-