Leonard Gray Usher

Background

Usher, Leonard Gray was born on May 29, 1907 in Paeroa, New Zealand. Son of Robert and Mary Elizabeth (Johnston) University.

Education

Teachers certificate, Auckland Training College, 1926-1927; Bachelor of Arts, Auckland U., 1934.

Career

Headmaster schools, Fiji, 1930-1943; public relations officer, Government of Fiji, 1943-1956; executive director, Fiji Times & Herald, Suva, 1956-1973; director, Fiji Times & Herald, 1973-1977; editor, Fiji Times, 1958-1973; organizing director, Pacific Islands News Association, 1974-1985; councillor, life member, Pacific Islands News Association, since 1985. Chairman of the Board Fiji Development Bank, 1978-1982, Suva Stock Exch., 1979-1992, Island Lottlers Ltd., Fiji, 1980-1986. Deputy chairman National Bank Fiji, 1974-1982.

Board directors Connoisseur Products (Pacific) Ltd., Business Management Group Ltd., Mount Pleasant Ltd.

Achievements

• Leonard Gray Usher has been listed as a noteworthy news association executive by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member Fiji Broadcasting Commission, 1954-1956, Fiji Visitors Bureau, 1953-1956. President Fiji Board Fire Commissioners, 1967-1970, 75-76. Councillor Suva, 1962-1971, 75-77, mayor, 1967-1970, 75-76.

Member council University South Pacific, 1975-1978. Trustee Fiji Crippled Children Society, since 1965, president, 1971-1974. Secretary Fiji Press Council, 1986-1994.

Chairman Fiji College Honour, 1995-1998. Served with infantry Fiji Army, 1942-1945. Member Royal Commonwealth Society (secretary Fiji), Fiji Arts Club (president), Royal Suva Yacht Club, 1961.

Clubs: Masons (master Fiji 1949-1950, 74-75), United Grand. Lodges: England (past grand, director ceremonies 1991), Defence (life member, trustee), Fiji Arts (president, life member, trustee), United (life member, trustee) (Suva), Royal Automobile (Sydney).

Connections

Married Mary Gertrude Lockie, November 30, 1940 (divorced 1962). Children: Lala Athene Frazer, Miles Gray. Married Jane Hammond Derne, July 11, 1962 (deceased 1984).

Father:

Robert University

Mother:

Mary Elizabeth (Johnston) University

Spouse:

Mary Gertrude Lockie

Spouse:

Jane Hammond Derne

child:

Lala Athene Frazer Usher

child:

Miles Gray Usher