NOTED OFFICIAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22390, 9 April 1936, Page 14

NOTED OFFICIAL

DR. REAKES RESIGNS AGRICULTURAL HEAD LONG RECORD OF SERVICE TRIBUTE BY MINISTER [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] -WELLINGTON, Wednesday An announcement that the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture, Dr. C. J. Reakes, had tendered his resignation as head of the Department of Agriculture, to take effect on April 30, was made by tho Minister of Agriculture, Hon. W. Lee Martin, in the House of 1 {epresontat ives to-day. The Minister expressed, on behalf of the Government, its deep appreciation of the manner in which Dr. Reakes had carried out his duties and paid a tribute to bis zeal, courtesy and devotion to duty. His remarks were endorsed by the Leader of the Opposition, Rt. Hon. G. W. For.bes. The Minister stated that the question of the appointment of a successor to Dr. Reakes was receiving the consideration of the Government.

Dr. Reakes was appointed to the Department of Agriculture as a veterinary surgeon in 1897 on his arrival in New Zealand from England, Mr. Lee Martin said. He was appointed assistant chief veterinarian in 1901 and eight years later succeeded Dr. .T. A. Gilruth as chief veterinarian and as director of veterinary services in the Defence Department. In 1910 Dr. Reakes was granted a doctorate in veterinary science by the University of Melbourne.

On tho reorganisation of the Department of Agriculture late in 1909 and tho creation of the livestock division, I)r. Reakes became tho first director of the division. Ho held this position until 1918, when ho was appointed Director-General of the department, a position he had held over since. For his services during the Great War. which included the control of the purchase of remounts for the Now Zealand troops and the supervision of fodder supplies and care of horses during training in camp, Dr. Keakes received the honour of C.B.E. (military division). During his service with, the Government Dr. Reakes had twice visited Great Britain officially, first in 1908, when he inquired into the frozen meat position at Home and the Dominion's meat export trade, and in 1927, when he attended the agricultural research conference in London called by the British Government.

On behalf of tho Government tho Minister expressed his deep appreciation of the successful manner in which Dr. Keakes had performed the difficult duties of permanent head of the Department of Agriculture over a period of almost 18 years. His career had been characterised by unvarying zeal, courtesy and devotion to duty.

Mr. Forbes asked leave to pay a tribute to Dr. Reakes. The Minister of Railways, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, interjected: "That is unusual." By leave of the HoUstfc Mr. I'orbes was* permitted to continue. He said that during the time he was Minister of Agriculture he was brought into close touch with Dr. Reakes and knew from his own experience the value of Dr. Reakes* work. Dr. Reakes had a fine record of faithful service and the farming community was greatly indebted to him.