C. Smith

Biographical information provided by James McLean for the He Tohu exhibition:

Clara Jane Smith (maiden name Newbigin) was about 35 when she signed the petition. Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, she came to New Zealand as a child. Her brother Edward was a brewer and seller of wine and spirits, which may have led to some interesting discussions about the WCTU – or awkward silences – at family get-togethers. In 1894 Edward was fined $150 (equivalent to at least $35,000 today) for avoiding paying duty on beer he had brewed. Clara's youngest child, my grandmother Ruahine Rubie Hayle Smith was born in 1895.