HUGH ROBERTSON

I first met Hugh Robertson in the 1950's. We were both deeply involved in the programme for electricity production which was urgently needed to overcome blackouts and shortages following World War 2. A design and construction team was being set up in the Ministry of Works to assist the New Zealand Electricity Department which was responsible for generation and supply of power to local power boards and municipal distributors.

Hugh was at Canterbury University College from 1937 to 1940, and graduated as a mechanical engineer. A notable achievment during lis time at C.U.C. was the installation of the billiard room at Rolleston House Hostel. This was largely Hugh's own work, for which R.H.men will be eternally grateful.Following graduation he was employed on defence assignments in the DSIR. This work called for high standards of precision and technical competence. Hugh's ability in this area must have been well known , because he was recruited into the Ministry of Works by Frank Askin. Frank was Chief Design Engineer in the Hydroelectric Design Office, engaged ,amongst other things , in setting up a design organisation capable of handling the work ahead. Hugh Robertson was appointed Assistant Chief Design Engineer with the primary task of establishing a mechanical group to handle the design and procurement of mechanical items such as control gates, screens ,cranes, bulkheads, essential for operation of hydroelectric powerstations.

The mechanical design group of the Hydroelectric Design Office (later known as Power Design Office) was established and successfully carried out its function over a period of 40 years. During that period about 18 new hydroelectric stations and 5 control dams, all incorporating mechanical items designed and procured by this group, were commissioned. The work was large in scale, of high quality and precision, and embodied improved features as the state of the art progressed.

Hugh held the title of Assistant Chief Design Engineer throughout most of his career, but his ability and knowledge was not confined to his competence as a mechanical engineer. He became involved with the staffing and organising of the design office as the work load changed. He also dealt with a number of difficult aspects of the power projects such as effects on local communities and environmental impacts.The Tongariro Power Development was particular example. He was always conscious of the effect that large construction projects had locally, and was always considerate and understanding in these matters. His reports to the client department, to other government departments, and government ministers were exemplary. If there is such a person as a "Gentleman and a Scholar", Hugh Robertson must have come pretty close to it.

Hugh and Sheila lived at Eastbourne for most of their time. During the last few years, during which Hugh's health declined, they moved out to Kapiti Coast. Old friends and colleagues will have fond memories of earlier times and will join in extending condolences to Sheila and the Robertson family.

Bill Duncan

(Formerly Chief Power Engineer, Ministry of Works)

25.6.2007