Rhodes' Scholar, 1917

The Rhodes' Scholar chosen for 1917 is A. F. Meldrum, who well deserves the honour he has gained. Educated at Marton and at Wanganui Collegiate School, he entered Victoria College in 1912 with a senior National Scholarship. He had partially passed his L. L. B. degree when, on the outbreak of war, he volunteered for service abroad, and went in august, 1914, with the Advance Party to Samoa. Returning to New Zealand in the following April he passed another section of his degree, and again enlisting, went with the 13ths as a sergeant in May, 1916. He took part in the Battle of the Somme, where he was wounded, and on recovery joined the mounted, and subsequently left for Egypt, where he has been granted a commission.

As a sportsman Mr. Meldrum has an excellent record, especially in football, having played for University in the 1st XV. At Wanganui, he also distinguished himself as an oarsman and shot. He represented Victoria College in the inter-University Boxing Tournament of 1914, being runner-up in the heavy-weight. He was a keen tennis player, and excelled at cricket. As debater he showed promise, having taken part in the Plunket Medal Contest of 1913.

He entered thoroughly into all phases of University life, and it is a fitting tribute to the man, the scholar and the sport, that he should be awarded the Rhodes' Scholarship for 1917.