Mr R. C. Parker

Life Member

At the annual general meeting of the Poverty Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the retiring president, Mr G. E. Law, presented Mr R. C. Parker with a Life Membership award in recognition of his long and active membership of the association.

A farmer at Hangaroa since 1929, Mr Parker joined the association during the depression years of the early 30's, and from 1950 to 1952 served as its president. Since, then, in his capacity as a past president, he has retained his interest as an active ex-officio.

Mr Parker recalls the development of the showgrounds during his early years with the association, when working bees of members shaped the ring and erected yards and buildings. He personally took a leading part in the building of the shearing rostrum, and the institution of shearing competitions and ram sales at the grounds. In charge of the first shearing contest, he remembers two then unknown competitors, Godfrey and Ivan Bowen, winning the major titles.

Now living at 40 Murphy Road, Wainui Beach, he is most active in local body administration, being a member of the Harbour Board for 11 years, the Cook County Council since 1950, of which he was chairman for 8 years, the No.4 District Roads Board, and the executive of the local branch of Federated Farmers.

A portion of an early photo of A and P members shows many well-known local farming identities. Mr Parker is second from right in the middle row, and in the same position in the back row is Mr Law who presented him with his Life Membership award.