Dr John Child (Press, 14 November 1984)
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Summary: Dr John Child (Press, 14 November 1984)
Associate Professor John Child, the first Donald Reid Fellow in Economics at the University of Otago, passed away in Dunedin on 10 November 1984 at the age of 62. Dr Child served in the Army and Air Force during World War II before enrolling at Otago University, where he graduated with a Master of Arts in Economics in 1948. His time as a student was marked by controversy due to his progressive views on social issues. In 1947, while serving as president of the University Students' Association, he advocated for bisexual bedrooms for students and openly challenged prevalent attitudes towards rugby and religion, calling for a relaxation of sexual mores. This stance led to his dismissal from a temporary lecturer's position, and he was required to apologise publicly and step down as president. Despite these setbacks, Child completed his degree the following year and then spent two years teaching in Lawrence while studying for a Bachelor of Commerce. He later achieved a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University, after which he held a teaching position in general science in Tauranga and lectured on industrial relations at the University of New South Wales for ten years in Australia. Returning to New Zealand in 1967, Child rejoined the University of Otago as a research fellow in economics and became involved in political activism by joining the Labour Party and serving as secretary of the Dunedin Committee on Vietnam. He was also the first president of Ecology Action in Dunedin. Over his career, he authored around 20 books focused on flora and fauna, with nine specifically about Australian natural history. In 1971, he was appointed associate professor in economic history, a position he held until his death. Dr Child is survived by three daughters and a son.
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