Mr. L M Sherwood, a prominent figure in the sugar industry and industrial management in Fiji, has officially retired after an impressive 44-year career with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Ltd (CSR) and South Pacific Sugar Mills Ltd. His retirement, announced in The Fiji Times on August 1, 1962, marks the end of an era for both the companies and the broader community he served.
Sherwood began his journey with CSR in 1913 as a chemist following his experience at various Australian mills and refineries, making his way to Fiji in 1931. Over the years, he made significant contributions to the industry, starting as a chemist at the Labasa and Rarawai (Ba) mills before his advancement to mill manager at the Penang mill in Rakiraki by 1937. His leadership role expanded; after serving as mill manager for several years, he transitioned in 1945 to a combined role as the industrial officer and conjoint mill manager in Nausori.
In 1947, Mr. Sherwood dedicated himself fully to representing the interests of employees and cane growers as industrial officer, later becoming the industrial manager. His advocacy extended beyond the sugar industry; he was the inaugural president of the Fiji Employers Consultative Association, demonstrating a commitment to fostering employer-employee relations, having been re-elected to the position on July 26 for a third term.
Sherwood was also engaged in sports, serving as the immediate past president of the Fiji Bowling Association, a position he embraced since taking up the sport in 1945. His involvement in the golfing community was significant as he held the secretary role at various golf clubs across Labasa, Ba, and Rakiraki.
In addition to his leadership roles in sports and industry, he served in directorial capacities at multiple companies, including as the alternative director of South Pacific Sugar Mills Ltd and Rewa Rice Ltd, and as a director at Building Finance Ltd.
After his retirement, Mr. Sherwood and his wife chose to remain in Nausori, where they had lived for the previous 17 years. His successor, Mr. D S Woodman, who had been serving as the assistant industrial manager, is expected to continue the legacy Mr. Sherwood established, bringing his own extensive experience within the company to the role. Woodman joined CSR in 1950 and had a progressive career, eventually taking on the role of mill manager at Penang before being appointed as assistant to the industrial manager for Fiji.
Mr. Sherwood’s contributions to the sugar industry and community partnerships during his illustrious career have laid a strong foundation for future endeavors in Fiji’s agricultural and industrial sectors. His dedication to fostering relationships among employees and employers will be remembered as a significant part of his legacy.
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