MRS. E. DOCKRILL DEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1935, Page 4

MRS. E. DOCKRILL DEAD

WAS NEW PLYMOUTH MAYORESS. PROMINENT IN SOCIAL WORK. The death occurred at London on Thursday of Mrs. Edward Dockrill, a former well known resident of New Plymouth, of which she was Mayoress for several years. Mrs. Dockrill was prominently identified with social and church activities at New Plymouth for a long period. Some time after the death of her husband, Mr. Edward Dockrill, Mrs. Dockrill left for London, where she has lived with her son, Dr. John Dockrill, for eight or more years According to cabled advice received by a nephew, Mr. L. A. Bosworth, Oaonui, her death occurred after a short illness. Mrs. Dockrill was born at sea in April, 1861, during the voyage of the troopship H.M.S. Prince Arthur from Bombay to New Zealand, and was therefore 74 years of age at the time of her death. Her father was Sergeant Bosworth, of the 57th Regiment, who with his regiment was transferred from India to Taranaki, the seat of the Maori Wars of the sixties. The family arrived at New Plymouth on June 4, 1861. Mrs. Dockrill spent her early life at New Plymouth and married Mr. Edward Dockrill, who was Mayor of New Plymouth for a number of years. During his term of office Mrs. Dockrill gave hexhusband every possible assistance in civic and social duties. She and her husband were prominent figures in many movement for the betterment of the town. Having remarkable oranising ability, she was a very keen supporter of the Tukapa Football Club, and it was her work at the head of the women’s committee that made the Tukapa club’s annual ball the great event that it Was. / She was a great worker in the affairs of St. Mary’s parish,' and for some years was a teacher in Sunday school. In this aspect of her life she gained respect and confidence. Possibly her greatest work was for the St. John Ambulance, her efforts in aid of this being so noteworthy that some years ago she was awarded a high distinction by headquarters, being made a serving sister of the Order of St. John, the investiture being performed by the Governor-General. She was the only one to have won this exceptionally high honour in Taranaki. She maintained her interest in ambulance affairs after her departure to London and represented New Zealand at several important conferences in England. Some time after the death of her husband Mrs Dockrill left New Plymouth for London to join her son, Dr. John Dockrill. Dr. Dockrill is the only surviving member of the family, the eldest son, William, having died in the influenza epidemic after the war. Mention of Mrs. Dockrill’s death was made by Archdeacon G. H. Gavin at St. Mary’s church last night and a special hymn was sung.