Obituary

Press, 25 June 1983, Page 9

Obituary

Mr R. M. D. Johnson

Mr Richard Mayott Darvall Johnson, a foundation member of the North Canterbury Catchment Board and former chairman, died on Wednesday, aged S 3. Mr Johnson, better known as Peter, was born at West Eyreton in 1837. He was educated at Christ’s College, and spent all his working life at Mount Torlesse, Springfield. Mr Johnson was a member of the North Canterbury Catchment Board from its foundation in 1944 until his retirement in 1971. He was board chairman for 15 years from 1953 to 1968 and served as chairman of the soil conservation committee for many years. His knowledge of the rural scene, especially the high country, was profound. He was an early advocate of the use of cattie to reduce the need for burning. To this end he developed and maintained a top Angus stud at Mount Torlesse.

His concern for the high country was expressed in 1960 with the formation of the Tussock Grasslands and Mountain Lands Institute at Lincoln College, on which he was a representative of the Soil Conservation and

Rivers Control Council, and its first chairman. He was a member of the Tawera County Council from 1923 until its amalgamation with the Malvern County in 1967 and subsequently a member of the combined county until 1968. He was chairman for 30 years from 1932. For many years he was a member of the Kowai Pass Domain Board, and president of the Malvern A. and P. Society in 1927. Hjs interests were not limited to farming and local bodies. He was vicar’s warden, and served on the vestry of St Peter’s Church at Springfield for more than 50 years, and was largely responsible for the building of the Springfield Memorial Hall. He was a horse lover, interested in show jumping, and was a New Zealand polo representative in 1934. He is survived by his wife and three children.