MR. J. A. CAMPBELL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 75, 26 September 1938, Page 11

MR. J. A. CAMPBELL

LOSS TO HORTICULTURE

Mr. James Angus Campbell, director of the horticultural division of the Department of Agriculture, died suddenly on Saturday night at the age of 64 years. Mr. Campbell was attending a Masonic Lodge gathering at Island Bay when he collapsed.

In his 30 years with the Department Mr. Campbell saw the fruit industry grow to its present important position, and the building up of New Zealand's fruit export trade was greatly assisted by his expert advice, sound knowledge, and qualities of leadership.

Mr. Campbell came to New Zealand from Victoria, Australia, 41 years ago. For some years in the a Dominion he carried on as a landscape gardener and horticulturist. Among his achievements was the laying out of the grounds of the Christchurch Exhibition

and the supervision of this work, which was under the control of the Department of Agriculture. The impressive nature of his work led to his appointment to the Department of Agriculture. In 1908 Mr. T. W. Kirk, who was then director of the horticultural division, persuaded Mr. Campbell to join the Government service. Mr. Campbell became orchard j instructor at Hamilton and then at' Hastings, and was appointed assistant j director of horticulture in 1915. j In 1919 Mr. Campbell made an extensive tour of the United States in the interests of the Department, and when Mr. Kirk retired shortly after his return Mr. Campbell became director of horticulture. The years of Mr. Campbell's leadership were of immense importance to horticulturists in the Dominion. His practical ability was such that he had the confidence of the industry and of the Government, by both of whom his advice was highly valued. His zeal carried his activities beyond the Department, and, with the late Mr. G.A. Green, Mr. Campbell was largely instrumental in forming the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, and greatly assisted it in stimulating and raising the standard of horticulture. Mr. Campbell found time for recreational activities, in which his enthusiasm and organising ability gained him a host of friends. He had a long association with the Island Bay Bowling Club, of which he had been president. He joined the Wellington Rotary Club, whose motto of "service before self" epitomised his own life. Mr. Campbell was also a foundation member of the Island Bay Lodge of Freemasons. He was a past master. Of a genial nature and unswerving loyalty Mr. Campbell was a fluent speaker. He had great success in finding the happy mean between conflicting ideas in the fruit industry. Mr. Campbell is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. D. M. Grover and Mrs. W. A. Simpson, both of Wellington, and one son, Roderick, who is on his return from a business trip to the United Kingdom. There is one grandson.

The impressive nature of his work led to his appointment to the Department of Agriculture. In 1908 Mr. T. W. Kirk, who was then director of the horticultural division, persuaded Mr. Campbell to join the Government service. Mr. Campbell became orchard instructor at Hamilton and then at Hastings, and was appointed assistant director of horticulture in 1915.