Low-key retirement

Press, 30 May 1981, Page 12

Low-key retirement

Mr J. C. Fraser is retiring after being secretary of the Canterbury Horticultural Society for 25 years, but he does not want the world to know about it. “Did you . tell the press about me?” he asked a caller who interrupted the interview. “It’s just the kind of [ dirty thing you would do.” J The world needs to know, i Mr Fraser. i “Well, I have done 25 I years, and I am damn near j 74, so I think it's time some-. ; one else had a crack at it.” | The most significant ; change in the society since • he took over in 1958 had been i the effect of the move into | new premises in Cambridge j Terrace. • Mr Fraser played a big part in raising the funds for the hew building, which was opened in 1963. . “The new hall has enabled

us to mount bigger shows, and it has given exhibitors greater freedom in their showing,” he said. Another change has been the bigger number of young people both joining the society and participating in its classes and competitions. “There was a lull about seven years ago, young people were going in for television and concrete flats, but now' they seem to be coming back,” Mr Fraser said. The “health revolution” has evidently had repercussions in horticultural circles, because herbs have also enjoyed a resurgence of interest. Mr Fraser came to New Zealand in 1954 after growing tea in India for 30 years. He was born in Sri Lanka, the son of a Scots teaplanter. He came to live in New Zealand for the sake of his

children’s education, and because he had heard it was a good place to grow’ dahlias — his own horticultural specialtv.

After doing a series of odd jobs, Mr Fraser found his true calling, a job which has been "really just an extension of my interests — it has suited me down to the ground.” j He looks forward to learning to play bowls, fly-fishing, and spending more' time in the garden during his retirement.

In July the United Kingdom Dahlia Club will hold its centenary, and Mr and Mrs Fraser intend to be there.

“If you are going ,to put this in the paper, could you mention my wife, Mrs Nora Fraser?” he said. "She has taught me a lot and helped me in everything I have - ! done.” .