Ritchie Chair of Economic Research

 

In the early twentieth century Alan Ritchie took over stewardship of the family business and is noted for his contribution to the political debate about tariffs during the 1920s, as well as close association with influential figures such as Douglas Copland, first Dean of the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, and Richard Gavin Gardiner Casey, Governor-General of Australia 1965-1069. The records also reveal the family’s enduring interest in philanthropy and community support with their bequest for the establishment of a Chair of Economic Research in 1927 at the University of Melbourne.

Professor R.I.
Wodetzki, Norman, ‘Professor R.I. "Dick" Downing, December 1975, University Gazette, p. 14.

In 1954 Professor Richard Downing succeeded Professor Giblin as Ritchie Chair of Economic Research. His research interests included social welfare and wage policy. In 1973 he was appointed ABC Chairman and remained in the role until his death in 1975.

Further Reading

University of Melbourne Archives Keys to the Past, Key 92: Economics and Commerce [ii] 1946; 1949; 1954; 1961; 1975; 1977; Commerce Building 1963; 1974