Robert E. Alexander

Robert Edward Alexander, C.M.G., ARC., ScI. Director (1909-1935).

That considerable body of old students who knew Lincoln when Robert  Edward  Alexander  was  director  will mourn his death at 72 years of age on November 20th 1946.

He  was  born  in  1874  in  Northern  Ireland  and  was educated at the Royal Academical Institution, Belfast, and the Royal College of  Science, Dublin.  He came to New Zealand as Director of the College in 1909, retiring in 1936. He was a Professor of Agriculture until the time of his retirement and was honoured with the Order of C.M.G.

During "R.E.A's" period of service the College advanced notably. The first programme of agricultural research was initiated, the teaching course was modified to suit the newly established University degree course in Agriculture and the College was raised to the status of a University College of Agriculture. Two Professorships were established and new laboratories built to suit the growing needs of the College. The farm was enlarged and many new farm buildings constructed. A new wing was added to the College and the Memorial Hall was built, the latter largely by donations from Old Students.

By many who knew him "R.E.A." will be judged from the point of view of his ability as an agriculturalist, an administrator or as a teacher. Undoubtedly the College progressed under the influence of these capacities but the merit of his period of service in the minds of Old Students is now being judged more and more by the personal measure of esteem and affection among those who were influenced by him. They speak unanimously of his sense of justice, his active interest in student affairs and his good counsel. Many of us cherish his memory on account of that human insight which we enjoyed and which w.as less well known to others beyond the sphere of College life. That sense of humour behind a characteristic dour manner is emphasised whenever Old Students of his day exchange reminiscences. When that wealth of humorous Lincoln incidents is revealed in written history a great section will be built around "R.E.A." as a disciplinarian, an adviser and a tolerant head of what was then a band of closely knit young men. “R.E.A." had a remarkable memory and Old Students returning to the College would always be welcomed with a real friendliness offered regardless of what their personal relationships may have been during their College days. He could always relate some specific incident or incidents in which an Old Student was intimately concerned.

In 1906 he married Alice McRae McKinley, who was also born in Northern Ireland. Mrs. Alexander is now living at Cashmere, Christchurch. To her we extend our deep sympathy. The other members of the family to whom the condolences of old students are extended are Niall (1926-28), R. E. (Ted), Deborah .Alexander and Mrs. David McLeod (Mary).

Obituary from the 1946 Canterbury College Magazine (No. 71 November 1946).

Director of the School of Agricultural and of the Canterbury Agricultural College (1909-1935)