MR A. MACPHERSON RETIRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20056, 20 September 1920, Page 6

MR A. MACPHERSON RETIRES.

WELL-KNOWN FIELDS INSTRUCTOR. Officers of the Agricultural Department on Saturday presented Mr A, Macpherson, Fields Instructor, and specialist in lucerne culture, with a rolltop writing-desk and with a silver fruit stand for his wife. Mr Mucphorson joined the Department in January, 1901, as Inspector of Dairies, and ho is now retiring on superannuation. Mr 11. M’Gilliv’ray, Fields Instructor, said that Mr Maepherson had been a strenuous figure in Departmental life, and his retirement was to be regretted. His name was a household word in many parts of the country, and it would be indelibly inscribed on the annals of agriculture. He had done a great deal

of pioneer work and achieved important results. His investigations in regard to lucerne had made people think, and had shattered many cherished beliefs. His interest in the work of the Department and his energy and enthusiasm nad won the admiration of all those pnyileged to come into close contact with him. Those characteristics had ocen the foundation of Mr Macpherfjpn’s success in the Department. His Departmental career had really been of victories over difficulties. In 1911 he had prepared and set up at the Dunedin Agricultural and Pastoral ohow a wonderful exhibit, overcoming the heavy obstacle caused by a fire. AL though he was retiring from the Department, everyone expected that he I'" 011 ' ‘d take up a prominent position in tno affairs of the country. They all wished Mr and Mrs Macpherson long life and the best of health. Apologies for absence were read from Dr Peakes, Director-General of Agriculture Messrs AV. Dibble ’(Auckland), A. J. Glasson (Hawera), J. AA T . Dean (AVanganui), H. E. Bunsell (AYellinpton), J. G. Scott (Blenheim), C. S. Dalgloish (Hokitika), J. G. Mackny (Ashburton), J. C. Huddlestone (TimJ - A. Griffiths (Milton), AV. H. Middlemass (Bluff) and J. Munro (Araberley), all of whom wished Mr Macpherson a prosperous future and paid a tribute^ to his valuable work. Mr F. S. Pope, Assistant-Director of Agriculture, said that Dr Reakes was genuinely sorry that he could not attend. Only the necessity for his attendance in the House during the debate on the Estimates had prevented him coming down to Chfistchurch. Mr Macpherson had a splendid record of work, and it was a privilege to be-pre-sent to do honour to him, though there was a feeling of sadness because of his retirement. It was unfortunate that Mr Macpherson had to retire because ol the Departmental rule concerning the ago limit, because he looked as young and as “ full of ginger ” as anyone in the room. He undoubtedly had many years of strenuous work before him, and it was a matter for regret that lie was leaving the Department. Mr Macpherson came to New Zealand us a young man of twenty-one years, and acted for some time as overseer and then manager of the Pareora Estate under the Australian and New Zealand Land Company. In 1901 he entered the service of the Department of Agriculture as Inspector of Dairies, his appointment being signed by Lord Runfurly as Governor, in November, 1907, he was promoted to the position of Inspector of Stock, and in 1908, on account of his special qualilicatious, lie was appointed superintendent of agricultural experiments in the South Island, a position which included the show work o. the Department. He became Fields Instructor in 1909, and from November, 1914, to October. 1915, he was absent from Now Zealand in connection with the San Francisco Exhibition. In January, 1916, he was appointed to the responsible position of Fields Supervisor, aud in January, 1919, he became Fields Instructor and Specialist in Lucerne Culture. In all these positions he had displayed conspicuous ability. His name would live in the agricultural annals of New Zealand, particularly in connection with lucerne-growing. It was coming to be recognised that Air Macpherson’s conclusions in regard to lucerne were absolutely sound. He had done valuable work in preparing exhibits for agricultural shows aud for dispatch to other countries, in drawing up a report on the experimental farms of the United States, and in the purchase of stud stock. He would leave the Department with the goodwill of all his fellowworkers and their best wishes for his future health and prosperity. Among those who wished to join in the appreciation of Mr Macphersou’s work was Mr AA T . G. M’Donald, of the Board of Trade. Mr Pope then made the formal presentation to Air Macpherson amid applause. Alessrs J. Andrews (district accountant), F. Mackenzie (stock inspector), F. C. Brown (chief poultry instructor for the Dominion) and 6. Stratford (orchard instructor) also referred to Air Alacpherson’s splendid services in the cause of agriculture. Air Macpherson responded briefly. He had; he .said, lived a strenuous life from his youth up, and he did not intend to go out of harness. Ho felt that it was his duty to give place to younger men, and he accepted the Department’s rule in that spirit. He felt that he did not deserve all the kind things said about him. It had been a pleasure to do the work ho had done, and he was pleased to know that his efforts were appreciated. He felt very much leaving behind the officers of the Department, and he would always look back with sincere pleasure to the many happy times they had had. (Applause.) The gathering broke up with cheers for Air and Airs Macpherson and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”