Lawrence, William Edward Lewis (Bill), 1912–2010 (Person)

SummaryBorn at Waihī in 1912. Attended Waihī South School and Waihī School of Mines before working at the Martha Mine. Experienced unemployment during the Depression and witnessed the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Travelled overland through Australia to Mount Isa, where he worked underground and became honorary secretary of the miners’ union at 22. Returned to New Zealand and trained as a pilot at Māngere, later flying numerous aircraft types. During the Second World War he supervised construction of air-raid tunnels beneath Albert Park, Auckland, served in the Army and was subsequently directed into coal mining at Ōhura and Benneydale. Held union and community offices and participated in the 151-day waterfront dispute of 1951. Returned to the family farm at Waihī in 1952, enlarging it to about 100 acres, and served as president of the Waihī branch of Federated Farmers from 1968 to 1974. Joined the Communist Party in 1932 and remained a public advocate for working people, writing letters to newspaper editors for about 20 years. Later lived at Waihī Beach. Died in 2010.SourcesInterview with Max Avery at 94 years: Te Ao Mārama Tauranga City Libraries AV 22-003/15New Zealand Births, Deaths and Marriages OnlineWilliam Edward Lawrence death notice, New Zealand Herald, 31 July 2010

William Lawrence at the age of 94 giving an interview to Max Avery. Enhanced screen shot from AV 22-003/15 taken at 1 hour, 8 minutes and 56 seconds.

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Lawrence, William Edward Lewis (Bill), 1912–2010 (Person)

Personal Information

First Name(s)Lawrence, William Edward Lewis (Bill), 1912–2010 (Person)SurnameLawrenceAlso Known asBill LawrenceDate of Birth25 October 1912Place of BirthWaihīDate of Death30 July 2010Place of DeathHetherington House, WaihīOccupationMinerFarmerPilot

Whānau

MotherLawrence, Flora née MacKay, 1881-1969FatherLawrence, William Edward Lewis, 1878-1929

Partner

PartnerLawrence, Irene Alice “Rene” née Penwarden (formerly Murphy)Date Married1940

Relates To

Other Item(s)William E. Lawrence (1912-2010) interviewed by Max Avery (2006)

Admin

AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | People

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Lawrence, William Edward Lewis (Bill), 1912–2010 (Person)