Experience practical and broad
FEW groups in the Taieri area did not benefit from some contribution by Peter Robertson over his 96 years.
The soldier, farmer and community stalwart died in Mosgiel on July 21.
Peter James Robertson was born near Outram on February 17, 1924, the eldest son of Lindsay and Louise Robertson. His siblings were Alan, Arthur and Ida.
Educated at Outram Primary School, where he was dux, Mosgiel District High School (now Taieri College) and Otago Boys’ High School, he studied engineering at the University of Otago before, aged 19, he left for Britain as a naval cadet.
In 1944, Mr Robertson joined the New Zealand Army as a sapper, and helped build Bailey bridges in Italy. He seldom spoke of his wartime experiences but his family said his views on France were tainted by a memorable trip across that country in a cattle wagon on a train in the snow.
During the 1980 flood on the Taieri, he was disgusted with how long it took to put a Bailey bridge across the span that had been washed away at Outram. He had helped put one across the
River Po in Northern Italy, under fire from the retreating German army, and the New Zealand tanks were crossing it before it was properly finished.
On returning to New Zealand after the war, Mr Robertson began farming at Huntly, Outram RD1 — 99 acres of prime dairy land, a farm that had been in the Robertson family since 1877.
As time passed, this area was gradually extended. He began with a herd of about 40 cows, running a yearround town milk operation, and became wellknown for breeding pedigree Holstein Friesian cattle.
Mr Robertson married Penelope Algie in Balclutha on August 26, 1950. They had three children: James, Timothy and Sally.
Over his lifetime, Mr Robertson became well known in Otago and other regions through the many organisations to which he belonged.
These included Young Farmers, West Taieri Federated Farmers (past president), the West Taieri RSA, the Taieri A&P Society (life member and past president), and the South Island Herd Improvement Association.
He served on the board of management of Telford Farm Training Institute for 18 years, and was the driving force behind establishing the dairy unit. One of the student accommodation wings is named after him.
He was on The Taieri High School board of governors for 11 years, and was a Mosgiel Rotary Club member for 47 years. He was the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship during his time in Rotary. He also served on the Dunedin District Consumer Council, and was a director of the Otago Cooperative Company.
Mr Robertson joined the Holstein Friesian Association in 1946 and was an honorary life member, a council member and a former vicepresident. He was also a senior judge and classifier for the association, wrote articles for the annual magazine, and was instrumental in compiling the history of the breed in New Zealand, Celebrating 100 Years published in 2010.
Many visitors came to the Robertson farm. In 1952, a demonstration of modern methods of silagemaking was held, organised by the West Taieri YFC. There were regular visits of pupils from St Clair Primary School, The Taieri High School agricultural class, some Telford students in the early days, and students from Massey and Lincoln universities to do their three months of practical dairying experience.
Mr Robertson helped organise several Friesian Field Days at home and in Otago, and competed successfully in A&P shows, winning many prizes including the South Island Champion Cow in 1965. He also did very well in Otago progeny competitions.
He bred a good herd of breeding cows suitable for commercial farming and sold many breeding animals over the years at various sales, under the Rannoch stud name. His dispersal sale in 1989 won the highest average price for the year.
When Mr Robertson retired, he took up gardening, golf and walking, and travelled extensively in New Zealand, Britain and Europe.
He was very supportive of most of the things his wife and children were involved in and encouraged them in their choice of careers and other activities. He was always very proud of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren in everything they did.
He is survived by wife, Penelope, children, James, Timothy and Sally, and their families.