MEAT BOARD MEMBERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29509, 10 May 1961, Page 21

MEAT BOARD MEMBERS

Two To Retire In August

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 9. The deputy-chairman of the New Zealand Meat Pro. ducers’ Board (Mr F. C. Johnstone) announced yesterday that he would not seek re-election to the board on the expiry of his present term of office in August. Mr Johnstone said that he was taking this action upon medical advice. Mr Johnstone was first elected to the board 20 years ago, and has served continuously since, with the exception of one break of two years. He has been deputy chairman in recent years. Another member of the board. Sir Walter Mulholland, whose present term of office expires in August, has already announced that he will not seek re-election. Sir Walter Mulholland has already made it known among producers that he feels it desirable that a younger man step into his place. He has been a member of the Meat Producers’ Board since 1943 and has been active in farming affairs for more than 50 years. The chariman of the board. Mr J. D. Ormond. said that the decision of Sir Walter Mulholland and Mr Johnstone not to seek re. election meant a severe loss to the meat producers of New Zealand. Each had given a life-long service to the industry and their experience and judgment had played a large part in the decisions of the board during the last 20 years. “Sir Walter Mulholland has spent bis whole adult life in the services of his fellow producers. As president of the Farmers’ Union he played a major part in putting New Zealand's point of view at important Empire consultations. He was president of the Farmers’ Union for a long period and served also as president of the present Federated Farmers. His experience and wisdom contributed great strength to the board.” said Mr Ormond. Mr Ormond said he deeply regretted that Mr Johnstone's health had made it necessary for him to retire from the board. Mr Johnstone had an immense practical knowledge

and experience of the sheep industry and meat industries and was respected for this throughout New Zealand. The seats of Sir Walter Mulholland and Mr Johnstone will fall vacant in August when an election will be held at the annual meeting of the electoral committee of the board.