F. O. Schmidt

Mr Frederick Otto Schmidt, who was well known throughout New Zealand for his knowledge of the growing of farm crops and his contributions to the early development of the small seed industry, died in Christchurch on January 28, 1958. He was 68.

After attending Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, from 1909 to 1911, Mr Schmidt joined Wright Stephenson & Company Ltd., in 1912. He retired after 43 years' service.

In the firms annual review it was said of Mr Schmidt:- "His sound knowledge of, and capable manner in dealing with The Late F. O. Schmidt clients, gained for the Company and for him personally many staunch friends among the farming community of the district. He not only knew his goods, but he also knew every inch of his district, what it was currently producing and much about the capabilities of its individual farmers.

In his youth, Mr Schmidt played Rugby and later was a prominent referee, being awarded a long-service medal. He was an early member of the Riccarton Domain Tennis Club and a member of the Cathedral Club's senior team, and of the United Club. He was also a member of the Harewood Golf Club and later joined the Waitikiri Club.

For many years he keenly supported the activities of the Old Students' Association and attended the reunions until about 1940. On the occasions when the Association used to organize tennis matches with the College, F. O. Schmidt, although one of the oldest of the participating tennis players, was invariably the best.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs L. O. Schmidt of 5 Rata Street, Riccarton, Christchurch and by his sons Richard and Eric. Eric Schmidt completed the Diploma course at the College in 1938-39 and is employed by his father's firm as an agent in Invercargill. "Linked with business ability was a keen sense of humour, a philosophical outlook and a naturally cheerful disposition."