L. B. Scott

Leonard Brown Scott (1908-10). 

Obituary:  When Leonard Scott died in Christchurch on 8 July at the age of 85 there passed away the man who was primarily instrumental in establishing the Old Students' Association in the form it now enjoys. As a member of the executive for several years, and as president 1938-19 he guided developments which provided the Association with its first Constitution, its executive and financial organisation, the tie and blazer and other features. 

From Christchurch Boys' High School he came to Lincoln in 1908 and completed the three-year diploma course. He was prominent in rugby and swimming and was among the small group of students who constructed the swimming pool that has continued to serve for more than 60 years. 

He then had some years farming experience in the Poverty Bay-East Coast region, until he joined the 1st N.Z.E.F. in 1914 and the served in Egypt and France with the Canterbury Mounted Rifles and the Canterbury Regiment. In 1916 he was severely wounded on the Somme and was invalided home in 1917 with a leg disability that affected him throughout his life. He then studied accountancy at Canterbury College before entering a family motor business in Christchurch (Scott Bros). Later he developed his own radio business and between 1925-39, he was active on the council of the N.Z. Radio Federation and the Canterbury Employers' Association.

He retired from city business in 1942 but then resumed farming when he took up the mixed farming property, "Brockenhurst," Woodend, North Canterbury, specialising there in small seeds production.

Between 1945-50, he served on the executive, North Canterbury Federated Farmers (Vice-president) and as chairman, Small Seeds Advisory Committee. He was also a member of the Rangiora Country Council and the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. 

He retired from farming in 1959 and with his wife then resided in Christchurch. He was succeeded at "Brockenhurst" by his son, J. M. Scott, who took the Intensive course (55) and who became a Nuffield Farmer Scholar in the U. K. in 1970. 

I addition to his foundation work in the interests of the Old Students' Association, he became the first appointed representative of graduates and diploma holders on the then College Board of Governors. He was co-opted (1939-43) as a member but later elected (1948) when the College Act was amended to provide for election of members by graduates and diploma holders. Golf was his form of recreation and he instituted the competition among Old Students that has now continued for more than 30 years in conjunction with the annual Reunion.