Mr Louis Monod OBE

Secretary-Manager from 1931-53 Louis Monod navigated The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria through some difficult periods, ultimately resulting in his contentious resignation.

After working alongside Henry Schweiger for a number of years, Louis Monod was well-versed in the administrative matters of the Society upon his appointment in 1931.

His early years in office were difficult; the depression of the 1930s limited the Society's building programme, though he consciously made every effort to project the importance of the agricultural side of the Show.

He was responsible for introducing a procession of saddle and harness horses and ponies through the city, creating the Victorian Young Farmers Club, holding the first night show for night trotting and becoming one of the first three members appointed to the Trotting Control Board.

He navigated the uncertainty during the war years and oversaw the return of the Show post-war, which was a huge success that gave him great satisfaction.

Louis found little time to relax, however, when in 1948, the Olympic Invitation Committee began a four-year long period of indecision regarding the use of the Showgrounds for the next Olympic games.

Louis found this period to be highly stressful, so much so that the Society sent him on an extended overseas tour.

Upon his return in 1953, he resigned, causing much altercation as it was felt that his resignation was the result of a well-organised coup.

Various Secretaries of the organisation now known as Melbourne Royal, including Louis Monod, from Speed the Plough, page 183.