Robert McMillan

Robert Thomas McMillan (1887 – 8 September 1962) of Irwell, Canterbury, was appointed a member of the suicide squad of the New Zealand Legislative Council in 1950. A farmer known for his quality rams, he served on a multitude of boards and organisations.

Early life and farming McMillan was born in 1887 in Methven. He became well known as a breeder of rams.

Public and community service In 1927, McMillan was president of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Show. In 1942, he was elected onto the board of governors of the Canterbury Agricultural College (now Lincoln University).

McMillan was appointed as a member of the suicide squad nominated by the First National Government in 1950 to vote for the abolition of the Council. Most of the new members (like McMillan) were appointed on 22 June 1950, and served until 31 December 1950 when the Council was abolished. His uncle David had represented the Coleridge electorate in the 1880s.

Family and death McMillan married Marion Abbott from Little Rakaia in May 1917; she was also from a farming family. They had five children, Two sons took over Sudeley in the 1960s. He was survived by his wife and four of their children.