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Douglas Milne Riddle
Full NameDouglas Milne Riddle
Date of Birth27th January 1922Date of Death7th August 2016Biography
Douglas (Doug) Milne Riddle was born in Jagadhri, India, on 27th January 1922. He was the son of Very Reverend Thomas Ewart Riddle and Isobel Milne. His grandparents were Reverend Patrick James Riddle, Helen Fairley, Reverend Peter Milne and Mary Jane Veitch. Between 1929 and 1930 the Riddle family return to New Zealand for an 18 months’ long furlough (which occurs every seven years). The family settled in the Missionary Manse, 26 Jubilee Avenue, Devonport, returning to India in 1930. For a quarter of each year in India, Doug and his brothers Tom and Peter would leave Woodstock Boarding School and live with their mother at “Oakland Cottage.” The children would return to school once the monsoon had passed. In 1934, Tom suffered Diphtheria and sadly passed away at 16 years old. Due to Tom’s infection the other siblings got injections once a week, for a period of time.
In 1938, the Riddle’s were due for another furlough, and Riddle’s father was appointed Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. On the voyage back to New Zealand from India, the family stopped in New Hebrides (Vanuatu) to engage with the missionaries. (Reverend Peter Milne, Riddle’s grandfather was a pioneering missionary in New Hebrides). In Auckland, the family attended St. George’s Church in Takapuna. Riddle continued his education by studying at Takapuna Grammar School. Riddle had a noticeable American accent, and was not used to complying to school uniforms. Riddle played rugby in the winter, and rowed in the summer. Cadet Corps was compulsory, and when the war broke out, Riddle was given the position of Regimental Sergeant Major. When Riddle’s parents moved to India at the end of 1939, Riddle was to board with the Very Reverend George and Isobel Budd. Riddle became very involved in Church life, and Sunday was the most hectic day of the week; organising everything from Bible Classes, picnics, tramps, Easter Camps, Summer Conferences, Sunday School. The Bible Class Conference in Gore was pivotal in Riddle’s life. Riddle was certain he would be an engineer. During a devotional period, Riddle joined the other men who were pronouncing Christ as their Lord. Thomas Riddle informed his son that he should not rush these decisions, and obtaining University qualifications should be his priority.
Riddle took four subjects, but as the war situation deteriorated, many students were joining the armed services. After Riddle had completed his examinations, he was drafter to preliminary training at Ngaruawahia Camp, and then to the Scottish Regiment at Pukekohe Racecourse. News that the Japanese had attacked battleships Prince of Wales and Repulse, by Hong Kong, reached New Zealand. The Colonel directed Riddle to his office, to inform Riddle that his appeal had come through, and he was released. Riddle was confused as he had sent no appeal. It came to light that the Church made the appeal on behalf of Riddle, as there was a shortage of theological students. Riddle arrived to back a month after his academic courses had started, and had to catch-up quickly. Between 1942 and 1943, Riddle took a position as Student Assistant in Mairangi Bay Parish. At the end of 1943, Riddle volunteered as a training polit in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Riddle received his ‘Wings’ on the 16th august 1945. Shortly after the Japanese surrendered and the Air Force was demobilized. Riddle was discharged 20th September 1945, which allowed Riddle to prepare for his Theological Hall Entrance examinations in March.
After passing examinations in Hebrew, Greek and Bible Knowledge, Riddle was allocated a place in the Knox residential hostel, which housed 108 men. Riddle was accepted into Auckland Presbytery as a student in 1941; applications were made to the Overseas Mission Committee to be considered for Missionary service in India upon course completion. 1948, a position opened up in Khara District – where Riddle grew up, and his father once worked.
Riddle married Marion Matheson McKenzie (born 13th April 1923) on the 1st December 1948 in the Epsom Presbyterian Church at Gardner Road. 12th December 1948, Riddle was ordained at St. Paul’s Devonport, and by the 23rd December McKenzie and Riddle were sailing towards India on the Monowai, stopping first in Sydney. Along the way to Sydney, the pair were asked to conduct at Christmas service onboard. Taking a P&O liner from Sydney to Bombay, they arrived in India in January 1949. Travelling by train to Kurali Station, then were driven to Khara to stay with Dr. Morton and Mrs. Hilda Ryburn for the first two months. McKenzie and Riddle were introduced to their new home, and started to learn Punjabi.
Through the aid of audio and visual presentations, Riddle began to introduce Christianity into the Kharar district. These presentations would begin with a humorous comedy, then followed by a film to impart knowledge (topics included tending to snake bites, manure pits, erosion), then moved on to a medial film (topics included vaccinations, hookworm, malaria), the rest of the show would be religious in nature engaging with the life and teaching of Jesus. Positive reactions resulted in numerous invitations to bring these presentations to more and more villages.
Riddle became an important figure in the local community. When a leopard and it’s cub were terrorizing local villages by eating villagers precious goats, Riddle paid for a goat and positioned it in sight. When night came, and the cub came to attack the goat, Riddle was ready to take action. The mother leopard did not bother the villagers again.
Riddle was a great advocate for supporting the needs of villagers during monsoon season. The flood water would cause chaos and heavily disrupt and distort the lives of those who lived in flood water zones. Riddle saw the benefit in having a fleet of boats, and educating men, to assist during the floods. During Riddle’s furlough in 1960, Riddle was able to bring the needs of the flood-work to the Council of Organisations for the Relief Services Overseas (CORSO). With the invention of the speedboat, thanks to New Zealander Mr. C. W. F. Hamilton, CORSO agreed to supply one boat to assist Riddle. In India, the propeller was constantly getting caught on sugar cane leaves and grasses – regardless, the speedboat as an amazing tool, and Riddle was grateful. Bad fortunate came when the President of India, Mr. Kamaraj, used the CORSO boat to explore affected villages. The CORSO boat sank. Luckily, it was insured, so a replacement was purchased. It was then Riddle decided to train individuals to use the boast. By 1968, Riddle had trained over 2000 men.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Marion was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was removed, and then later a mastectomy. The Riddle family were finally approved leave to New Zealand. Marion was delivered more bad news, and was informed that her mother was badly ill. Marion got to spend three days with her mother before she passed. When the Riddle’s returned to India, Marion was sick again. It was originally diagnosed as a cough and nasal drip, then bronchitis. Riddle insisted his wife be admitted into hospital, and this is where Marion passed away on 8th April 1965, in Riddle’s arms. The funeral was a celebration of Marion’s life – as numerous people attended.
In 1964, Riddle’s mother had passed, and Riddle decided to invite his father over to India. Riddle knew this would be the last time he saw his father, and it was important for Riddle that his father got the final taste of India. In order to be closer to his children, Riddle moved to Dehra Dun. At Dehra Dun he met Desma Campbell, whom he married on 12th October 1966. The time in Dehra Dun was considered ‘a happy time.’
For the next furlough, it was decided that Riddle, Desma and Riddle’s daughters would return to New Zealand via Europe, Britain and across the United States of America. There were plenty of adventures, foreign experiences and hilarious interactions (language was an incredible barrier that the Riddle family had to work through). On 9th September 1969, the Riddle’s berthed in Auckland, and after settling down, Riddle was made Minister at St. Davids-in-the-fields. Near retirement, Riddle moved to St. George’s Presbyterian Church. Doug Riddle retired on 1st October 1987.
References
Riddle, Douglas Milne. Life and Light. 2003, DD1/3-2003/125/1, Presbyterian Research Centre, Knox College, Dunedin.
Date of Birth27th January 1922Date of Death7th August 2016Biography"I sing the birth was born tonight, the author both of life and light"
-Ben Jonson
Douglas (Doug) Milne Riddle was born in Jagadhri, India, on 27th January 1922. He was the son of Very Reverend Thomas Ewart Riddle and Isobel Milne. His grandparents were Reverend Patrick James Riddle, Helen Fairley, Reverend Peter Milne and Mary Jane Veitch. Between 1929 and 1930 the Riddle family return to New Zealand for an 18 months’ long furlough (which occurs every seven years). The family settled in the Missionary Manse, 26 Jubilee Avenue, Devonport, returning to India in 1930. For a quarter of each year in India, Doug and his brothers Tom and Peter would leave Woodstock Boarding School and live with their mother at “Oakland Cottage.” The children would return to school once the monsoon had passed. In 1934, Tom suffered Diphtheria and sadly passed away at 16 years old. Due to Tom’s infection the other siblings got injections once a week, for a period of time.
In 1938, the Riddle’s were due for another furlough, and Riddle’s father was appointed Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. On the voyage back to New Zealand from India, the family stopped in New Hebrides (Vanuatu) to engage with the missionaries. (Reverend Peter Milne, Riddle’s grandfather was a pioneering missionary in New Hebrides). In Auckland, the family attended St. George’s Church in Takapuna. Riddle continued his education by studying at Takapuna Grammar School. Riddle had a noticeable American accent, and was not used to complying to school uniforms. Riddle played rugby in the winter, and rowed in the summer. Cadet Corps was compulsory, and when the war broke out, Riddle was given the position of Regimental Sergeant Major. When Riddle’s parents moved to India at the end of 1939, Riddle was to board with the Very Reverend George and Isobel Budd. Riddle became very involved in Church life, and Sunday was the most hectic day of the week; organising everything from Bible Classes, picnics, tramps, Easter Camps, Summer Conferences, Sunday School. The Bible Class Conference in Gore was pivotal in Riddle’s life. Riddle was certain he would be an engineer. During a devotional period, Riddle joined the other men who were pronouncing Christ as their Lord. Thomas Riddle informed his son that he should not rush these decisions, and obtaining University qualifications should be his priority.
Riddle took four subjects, but as the war situation deteriorated, many students were joining the armed services. After Riddle had completed his examinations, he was drafter to preliminary training at Ngaruawahia Camp, and then to the Scottish Regiment at Pukekohe Racecourse. News that the Japanese had attacked battleships Prince of Wales and Repulse, by Hong Kong, reached New Zealand. The Colonel directed Riddle to his office, to inform Riddle that his appeal had come through, and he was released. Riddle was confused as he had sent no appeal. It came to light that the Church made the appeal on behalf of Riddle, as there was a shortage of theological students. Riddle arrived to back a month after his academic courses had started, and had to catch-up quickly. Between 1942 and 1943, Riddle took a position as Student Assistant in Mairangi Bay Parish. At the end of 1943, Riddle volunteered as a training polit in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Riddle received his ‘Wings’ on the 16th august 1945. Shortly after the Japanese surrendered and the Air Force was demobilized. Riddle was discharged 20th September 1945, which allowed Riddle to prepare for his Theological Hall Entrance examinations in March.
After passing examinations in Hebrew, Greek and Bible Knowledge, Riddle was allocated a place in the Knox residential hostel, which housed 108 men. Riddle was accepted into Auckland Presbytery as a student in 1941; applications were made to the Overseas Mission Committee to be considered for Missionary service in India upon course completion. 1948, a position opened up in Khara District – where Riddle grew up, and his father once worked.
Riddle married Marion Matheson McKenzie (born 13th April 1923) on the 1st December 1948 in the Epsom Presbyterian Church at Gardner Road. 12th December 1948, Riddle was ordained at St. Paul’s Devonport, and by the 23rd December McKenzie and Riddle were sailing towards India on the Monowai, stopping first in Sydney. Along the way to Sydney, the pair were asked to conduct at Christmas service onboard. Taking a P&O liner from Sydney to Bombay, they arrived in India in January 1949. Travelling by train to Kurali Station, then were driven to Khara to stay with Dr. Morton and Mrs. Hilda Ryburn for the first two months. McKenzie and Riddle were introduced to their new home, and started to learn Punjabi.
Through the aid of audio and visual presentations, Riddle began to introduce Christianity into the Kharar district. These presentations would begin with a humorous comedy, then followed by a film to impart knowledge (topics included tending to snake bites, manure pits, erosion), then moved on to a medial film (topics included vaccinations, hookworm, malaria), the rest of the show would be religious in nature engaging with the life and teaching of Jesus. Positive reactions resulted in numerous invitations to bring these presentations to more and more villages.
Riddle became an important figure in the local community. When a leopard and it’s cub were terrorizing local villages by eating villagers precious goats, Riddle paid for a goat and positioned it in sight. When night came, and the cub came to attack the goat, Riddle was ready to take action. The mother leopard did not bother the villagers again.
Riddle was a great advocate for supporting the needs of villagers during monsoon season. The flood water would cause chaos and heavily disrupt and distort the lives of those who lived in flood water zones. Riddle saw the benefit in having a fleet of boats, and educating men, to assist during the floods. During Riddle’s furlough in 1960, Riddle was able to bring the needs of the flood-work to the Council of Organisations for the Relief Services Overseas (CORSO). With the invention of the speedboat, thanks to New Zealander Mr. C. W. F. Hamilton, CORSO agreed to supply one boat to assist Riddle. In India, the propeller was constantly getting caught on sugar cane leaves and grasses – regardless, the speedboat as an amazing tool, and Riddle was grateful. Bad fortunate came when the President of India, Mr. Kamaraj, used the CORSO boat to explore affected villages. The CORSO boat sank. Luckily, it was insured, so a replacement was purchased. It was then Riddle decided to train individuals to use the boast. By 1968, Riddle had trained over 2000 men.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Marion was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor was removed, and then later a mastectomy. The Riddle family were finally approved leave to New Zealand. Marion was delivered more bad news, and was informed that her mother was badly ill. Marion got to spend three days with her mother before she passed. When the Riddle’s returned to India, Marion was sick again. It was originally diagnosed as a cough and nasal drip, then bronchitis. Riddle insisted his wife be admitted into hospital, and this is where Marion passed away on 8th April 1965, in Riddle’s arms. The funeral was a celebration of Marion’s life – as numerous people attended.
In 1964, Riddle’s mother had passed, and Riddle decided to invite his father over to India. Riddle knew this would be the last time he saw his father, and it was important for Riddle that his father got the final taste of India. In order to be closer to his children, Riddle moved to Dehra Dun. At Dehra Dun he met Desma Campbell, whom he married on 12th October 1966. The time in Dehra Dun was considered ‘a happy time.’
For the next furlough, it was decided that Riddle, Desma and Riddle’s daughters would return to New Zealand via Europe, Britain and across the United States of America. There were plenty of adventures, foreign experiences and hilarious interactions (language was an incredible barrier that the Riddle family had to work through). On 9th September 1969, the Riddle’s berthed in Auckland, and after settling down, Riddle was made Minister at St. Davids-in-the-fields. Near retirement, Riddle moved to St. George’s Presbyterian Church. Doug Riddle retired on 1st October 1987.
References
Riddle, Douglas Milne. Life and Light. 2003, DD1/3-2003/125/1, Presbyterian Research Centre, Knox College, Dunedin.
(Left to right from back); Sister Violet Sutherland (wearing solar topie), Marion Riddle, Reverend Douglas (Doug) Riddle.
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Douglas Milne Riddle. Presbyterian Research Centre, accessed 30/07/2026, https://pcanzarchives.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/114304
