Death of former Labour Minister

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33991, 4 November 1975, Page 2

Death of former Labour Minister

(N.Z. Press Associution) PALMERSTON NORTH. Nov. 3. A former Labour Minister of Education. Mr Philip Oscar Selwyn Skoglund, died in Palston North yesterday. He was 76. Mr Skoglund won the Palmerston North seat for ; Labour in 1954, and was Mim lister of Education from 1957 Ito 1960. He lost the seat in 1960. Mr Skoglund is remembered for his sporting contacts with Rugby and bowls [in Palmerston North. Mr Skoglund gained ai reputation for his skill as a [lawn bowler. He was the ■dominant bowler in Manawatu for 20 years, winning [the Manawatu Bowling iCentre’s champion of champions singles title five times. His interest in Rugby: .resulted in his being president of the Manawatu Rugby Union, and then being 'elected a life member of the 'union. He taught at the Palmerston North Boys’ High ■ School from 1923-54. He was a former city councillor and deputy mayor. Mr Skoglund was described today by the Prime Minister i(Mr Rowling) as a solid, hard-! [working politician. I “Achievements in education! during his term as Minister 1

include the establishment of the national conference on technical education which led, in 1960, to the establishment of this country’s first ‘ technical institute at Petone. “After only three years in Parliament he gained Cabinet - rank — no mean achievement. “His death will be felt as a personal loss by many,” Mr Rowling said.