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Sir Hallam Dowling
CBE 1968, Knighted 1978 A man whose determination to succeed was one of his predominant traits. His tenacity in the face of adversity shaped both his career and his community service.
Hallam Dowling was born in Wellington in 1909 and educated at Wellington College, but illness interrupted his schooling. The difficulties of putting himself through university during the Great Depression of the 1930s were compounded by retrenchment in the legal firm for which he worked, causing Dowling to lose his job.
The Journey to Napier
Out of work for some time, he eventually obtained a position as a junior reporter for The Dominion, meanwhile continuing his legal studies, finally graduating in 1933.
In an effort to gain employment in a legal firm, Hallam Dowling called on every one between Wellington and Napier, via the Wairarapa. Unsuccessful, he returned to Wellington where he heard that A.E. Lawry, of Napier, would employ him.
These trials of his youth are indicative of the tenacity of the man; it was with Sir Hallam a dominant characteristic.
Legal Career
In 1942, Dowling was admitted to partnership by Lawry, the firm in due course becoming Dowling, Wacher & Co., later Dowling & Co.
Sir Hallam was an active member of the Law Society of the District of Hawke's Bay, being elected to the Council and to the office of President in 1955 and 1956.
His manner was direct, perhaps to the point of aggressiveness, yet to his colleagues he could be helpful. Assuredly he made his mark on the Hawke's Bay legal world.
Community Service
Outside his profession he had many interests, taking a prominent part in Napier affairs, but he was best known for his long service to the Hawke's Bay Hospital Board to which he was first elected in 1941.
He was a member of the Board for 33 years, the last six and a half as Chairman, following Sir Edwin Bate in office.
In 1968 he was awarded the CBE for his services to the community and in 1978 he was knighted.
Born
Partner
CBE
Knighted