Trust being set up to honour farmer | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Masterton Mayor Bob Francis is leading a group of Wairarapa residents in setting up a memorial trust for the late Peter Laing, of Castlepoint.

Mr Laing, who died this year, was a stalwart of the Castlepoint community and at the same time led the way in many new and advanced farming practices. It was, among many things, his dedication to farming that gave rise to the idea of a memorial trust.

"What we hope to do with this trust is offer an annual scholarship to assist young people entering into the field of agriculture," Mr Francis says.

In addition to his dedication to farming, Mr Laing was well known for his outstanding voluntary service to the Castlepoint community.

He played an integral part in establishing the Castlepoint Golf Club, as well as the building of the local church. He was also involved with the Castlepoint Racing Club for 50 years.

Mr Laing's agricultural talent was recognised as early as his school years where his love for farming led him to initiate a division of the Young Farmers Club.

He was a shepherd for several years after school and eventually became manager of Castlepoint Station.

Mr Francis is joined by 10 other close associates and friends of Mr Laing in forming the trust including his wife Nan. Other members of the trust's founding committee are: John Broad, Bruce Skeet, Murray Tomlin, Tony White, Rod McKenzie, Bill Laing, Emily and Anders Crofoot, and David Baker.