Percy Dowse, Mayor of Lower Hutt from 1950 to 1970
(1898 – 9 December 1970) 

"The Dowse is named for Mayor Percy and Mayoress Mary Dowse. Sadly neither of them lived to see the doors open. Percy Dowse was elected Mayor in 1950 and served until his death in 1970. He believed that a modern city should have a range of physical, social and cultural facilities and under his leadership, but it was Mary Dowse, however, who had a particular interest in the arts and championed the art gallery"

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.