Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 17, June 1973
Mr. Townshend's article in Journal 16 [see Journal 16: Thames Valley Dairy Company - E] has reminded an old Paeroa boy of his early days. Mr. Harold Lawrence was born at the foot of Turners Hill where his father was the Manager of the Abbattoir [Abattoir – E] for 40 years. In 1915 he was Office Boy with the T.V. Dairy Coy. while Mr. E.W. Quick was Secretary. Later when Mr. Quick was Sec. of the N.Z. Co-op. Dairy Co. in Hamilton he arranged for Harold to be Clerk of the Butter Factory at Otorohanga at which town he has spent the rest of his life in various capacities.
Mr. Lawrence has taken a prominent part in numerous organisations in the area, especially Local Bodies which he has served for 32 years. He was with the Town Board for 20 years (14 as Councillor and 6 as Chairman) and later was Mayor for 12 years. Since amalgamation with the County Council he has been County - Borough Chairman but now looks forward to retirement. He was awarded the M.B.E. in 1971 for his outstanding service.
His sister, Mrs. Elsie Sanderson lives in Junction Road, Paeroa, and his Mother died here at the great age of 95.