Biography contributed by Rosalie-Ann Nicholson
Electoral Roll No. 1009 | Surname : HARRISON |
Given names : Clementine Emily Margaret | Given Address : Wanganui |
Given Occupation : Teacher | Qualification: residential |
Clementine Emily Margaret was born in 1857 in Sydney, Australia, to James Robert and Marguerite Clementine Harrison (nee Romanssons). She was the youngest of three daughters, and the family came to NZ when the girls were young. James farmed in the Auckland District for many years.
Emily, as she was known, was educated in Auckland and one of the first women to graduate with a Master of Arts Degree. She joined the staff of Nelson Girls College in 1884, becoming principal, before leaving to take up the position as first principal of Wanganui Girls College. The college opened in 1891, with 47 students, 19 of whom were boarders. Emily was required to appoint a Matron and Domestic Staff along with the teaching staff, and defray all costs. The boarding fee was set at 40 pounds a year, which was calculated to cover all expenses. Emily’s salary was three hundred pounds a year (six hundred dollars). Emily made it very clear she would take the girls’ education very seriously, emphasising that her school was not going to be merely a 'finishing' institution. A University Scholarship was won in the year of opening from Wanganui Girls College.
Emily resigned as the first Lady Principal of Wanganui Girls College to marry Harold Crispe Mellsop at Bishops Court Chapel, Auckland, on 27 December 1893. A highly respected and deeply admired first Principal, she set up home with her husband, Harold in Palmerston North where he had been for some years previously. Her interest in education continued, holding appointments as examiner for certain girls colleges including Wanganui Girls College.
Emily was a keen golfer, becoming secretary not only of the Manawatu Ladies Golf Club, but for thirteen years the Secretary and then President of the NZ Ladies Golf Union. While living in Rotorua she was very involved with the Rotorua Ladies Golf Club as well. In recognition of her services to the club and contribution to the game in the whole Country, she was made the first lady life member in 1936 to Golf. Harold and Emily’s names are perpetuated in the New Zealand Golf circles with the Mellsop Rose Bowl for Ladies match stroke, first presented in 1911.
Early in 1920 Harold and Emily moved to Cliff Rd, St Heliers, Auckland. Both joined the local Croquet Club. The following year they acquired Brent's Bathgate House and adjoining farm in Rotorua. They lived there till shortly before Harold’s death in 1930, when they moved to Kawau Island, having sold Brent's due to Harold’s ill health. Emily returned to Brent's Bathgate after it came back to her through a default payment. Emily and Harold are both buried in St Andrews Anglican Churchyard Epsom. Emily, a woman who inspired and educated children, sadly had none of her own.
The following is a tribute to Emily on her death:
Some of us were privileged to share Mrs Mellsop’s friendship when she retired into private life. But we all have memories of a little woman, trim and dainty in person, a delightful wit, a cultured mind, a wise kindliness, practical ability to organise and control, absolute dignity – a woman to respect and admire and with greater intimacy to like and even love.
Sources
The Adastrian 1937 – Wanganui Girls College
Mellsop Family book
Electoral rolls
Mellsop family papers