CLEMENT, DOROTHY MAY (Dot)

 

Dorothy May Clement was born in Chatham, England on the 11 May 1903, the daughter of Henry Herbert and Annie Stuart Clement nee McLelland.� The family came to New Zealand in 1906, settling in Lyttelton.� After the family came to Hawera in 1911, Annie assisted her husband Henry in their bakery business which is now Butchart's on Erin Street. They became well known for their generosity during the depression.

 

After receiving her education at Hawera High School, Dot worked at Tong's Concrete Works on Glover Road, and later voluntarily joined the staff of the Hawera Borough Council to help organise the 50th jubilee.

 

Mr J E Campbell, (the Mayor) a descendant of William and Mary Douglas nee Middlemass, some of the first settlers in the Hawera area, was largely responsible for this jubilee.� It was celebrated from the 21-27 February 1932, and as a tribute to the jubilee, eighteen neon light tubes were fitted to the top section of the Hawera Water Tower to make it a land mark visible at night from every vantage point in the district.

 

Dot was then appointed to the permanent staff of the borough council and became senior clerk, a position she held until her retirement in 1968, after 36 years service.

 

Joining in 1928, Dot was also an early member of the Mt Egmont Alpine Club.� She held an interest in the club till the time of her death and was an active member for 20 years.� She tramped Milford Track several times, including one trip quite late in life.� Dot had a bach at Ohawe Beach for many years which she and friends used as a weekend retreat.

 

Her other interests included golf, music and youth work.� Miss Clement was a Cub mistress for several years, a Guide leader and a Red Cross member. She had passes in elocution exams and was well known for her sense of humour. She used to ride to the golf course on her bicycle carrying her clubs over her shoulder.

 

She was one the first women to own a motor bike in Hawera, but it is understood that this did not last long. It is thought that this was the result of an accident. In 1969, she gave a large amount of her time to help organise the Hawera High School jubilee.

 

Dorothy May Clement died on the 7 March 1972 and is buried at the Hawera cemetery with her parents.

 

SOURCES

Obituary "Hawera Star" 9 March 1972

Mrs Betty Mortlock (niece)