1970 Donald Duncan McKenzie - Obituary

Donald Duncan McKenzie (1930-31).

Duncan McKenzie who died in the Oamaru hospital on January 17th had been farming the Table-top run (5160 acres) in the Hakataramea Valley since he returned from overseas service in World War II.

He spent his youth in Otago, was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School (1925-29) being a monitor there and member of the 1st XV. He then completed the Diploma of Agriculture at Lincoln and was prominent in athletics, swimming, tennis and rugby (vice-captain 1931). During the War he served in the Armoured Regiment of the XX Battalion in Africa and Italy.

When he took over Table-top it was in depleted condition but by his management including rabbit control, he succeeded in lifting wool production from 15 to 100 bales. His Corriedale sheep were regarded very highly; he was a pioneer in the use of aerial sowing and in the grazing use of snow tussock.

A Life Member of the Association he regularly attended the meetings in South Canterbury and North Otago. He is survived by his wife and a young family, one daughter and three sons. Source: 1970 Lincoln College Magazine, P56.