Massey Agricultural College and World War II

The University Archives holds a number of photographs and records from Massey Agricultural College dating to the Second World War period.

Like many institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand, Massey experienced significant disruption during the War. Growth slowed as staff and most students were drawn into military service or essential production work. Those who remained contributed to the war effort in various local capacities. Notably, Principal Professor Geoffrey Peren was appointed commander of B Squadron, Manawatū Mounted Rifles (Mechanised). The College also redirected its research towards wartime needs.

The campus underwent considerable change during these years. In 1941, an Army Staff Training College was established on site. Pre-fabricated wooden huts were erected on the Oval (see photos below), and an Army Staff Officers’ Hostel was built beside the Refectory to accommodate officers – later known as McHardy Hall.

Student enrolments fell sharply after 1940, reaching a low of just 48 students in 1942. Numbers began to recover in 1943, aided by the introduction of rehabilitation courses for returned servicemen. That year, Massey took possession of the Staff Officers’ Hostel following its vacating by the Army Department. In 1944, the College also acquired Craiglockhart, which became its first women’s hostel.

As with the Great Depression, the Second World War contributed to Massey remaining a small institution for many years. Its development into a multi-faculty university would come much later.