Honorary Degree

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30930, 10 December 1965, Page 3

Honorary Degree

(New Zealand Press Association;

DUNEDIN, Dec. 9. The director of the Geological Survey, Mr R. W. Willett, received the honorary degree of doctor of science from Otago University during the graduation ceremony in the Town Hall this afternoon. He was presented to the Chancellor of the University. Mr H. J. Ryburn, by the Dean of Science, Dr. D. S. Coombs, who described him as one of the university's distinguished graduates. Mr Willett received bis B.Sc. degree at Otago University, and later his M.Sc. from Victoria University College. He served as a geologist In the Geological Survey for 20 years. For a considerable period he was stationed in Invercargill and from there undertook extensive investigations in Otago and Southland. He has published more than 30 scientific papers and two substantia) bulletins, most concerned with the problems of economic geology. After a period as British Commonwealth geological liaison officer in London, Mr Willett became director of the Geological Survey in 1950. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a member of the society's council, and a former president of both the Southland and Wellington branches. Dr. Coombs said Mr Willett had played an important part in the administration of science in New Zealand.

“It is particularly appropriate that in this centennial year of the Geological Survey, the University of Otago is able to honour one of Its distinguished graduates, the present director. In doing so the university brings honour to Itself.”