Johnstone, Robert Nairn, LVSc 1909, BVSc 1913

MR. R. N. JOHNSTONE, B.V.Sc.

It is with great regret that we have to announce the death, on 7th June, after a very brief illness, of Mr.  R.  N.  Johnstone, B.V.Sc., Chief Veterinary Surgeon of Victoria.

Mr. Johnstone was born at Kilmore, Victoria, fifty three years ago.  He commenced his veterinary training at the Melbourne Veterinary College, and when that institution was taken over by the University of Melbourne, he transferred to the Veterinary School, and graduated in 1909.

After graduation he practised for a short time at Warracknabeal, Victoria, and in 1910 he joined the Victorian Department of Agriculture as Veterinary Officer.  In 1926 he succeeded to the position of Senior Veterinary Officer, and in 1934 his appointment as Chief Veterinary Inspector and Superintendent of Live Stock, Victoria, was gazetted.  In the same year he was appointed as Lecturer in Animal Husbandry in the Melbourne University.

During the War Mr. Johnstone was Acting Staff Officer of Veterinary Services, Victoria, for some time, but a serious accident sustained during the course of his duties prevented him from proceeding on active service overseas.  He retained an active interest in the Army Veterinary Services, however, and at the time of his death he was D.A.D.V.S., 2nd Cavalry Division, and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1918 Mr. Johnstone's services were availed of by the Tasmanian Government to advise on the control of blackleg in that State.  In 1923 he took an active part in the eradication of Rinderpest from Western Australia, and ultimately, on Dr. Robertson's return to the eastern States, he assumed control of the outbreak on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.

At the time of his death Mr. Johnstone was the President of the Veterinary Association of Victoria, and a member of Council of the Australian Veterinary Association.