11 April 1997 Top Lincoln awards to knight, soil scientist

Lincoln University's agricultural roots received prominent recognition through two top awards at this year's Graduation Ceremony (11.4.97) – an Honorary Doctorate to the University's first Chancellor and former Dominion President of Federated Farmers Sir Allan Wright and the Bledisloe Medal to Emeritus Professor of Soil Science John Walker.

Sir Allan, a prominent Canterbury farmer and national President of Federated Farmers from 1977-1981 was a member of Lincoln's governing Council for over 20 years until his retirement in 1994. From 1986 to 1989 he was Council Chairman and when Lincoln College became a University in 1990 Sir Allan was elected its first Chancellor.

In addition to prominence in farming, Sir Allan is well-known in the business world as a company chairman, board member and director. He has also had a deep involvement with cricket both as a player and administrator.

At Lincoln's Graduation ceremony he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree, only the sixth honorary degree so far conferred by the University.

The University's Bledisloe medal, instituted in 1931 for outstanding contributions advancing New Zealand's interests was presented to Emeritus Professor of Soil Science T.W. ("John") Walker of Christchurch.

Born in Leicestershire, Professor Walker came to New Zealand in 1952 and was Head of the Department of Soil Science at Lincoln from 1952 to 1979.

A passionate advocate of soil health as the basis for successful agriculture and the economic well-being of New Zealand, Professor Walker's research focused on the nitrogen economy of legume-based pastures. He espoused the role of biological nitrogen fixation through legumes, questioned the high rates of nitrogen fertilisers on pastures, countered the claims of some liquid fertiliser manufacturers and those who blindly dogmatise organic systems and companion growing.

A communicator par excellence, Professor Walker has extended his platform in recent years to television with appearances on Maggie’s Garden Show. He was a foundation member of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science and an inaugural Fellow of the New Zealand Society of Soil Science.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand