Martin, Clarence Edward, 1900 – 1953

Clarence Edward Martin (1900-1953), schoolteacher, barrister and parliamentarian, was born at Ballarat, Victoria, son of Edward and Catherine Martin. He was educated at Broken Hill and Sydney Teachers' College, where he trained as a schoolteacher. He taught initially in Sydney schools while studying at the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Economics (1923), Master of Economics (1932) and Bachelor of Laws (1936). In 1923 Martin was posted to Young District School and from 1926 to 1929 he was employed by the W.E.A. in Newcastle.

Martin was elected as the Labor Party member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Young in 1930 but he lost the seat in 1932. After completing his law degree Martin was admitted to the Sydney Bar in 1936 where he practiced until he was re-elected a M.L.A. for the seat of Waverley (1939-1953). Martin was Attorney-General from 1941 until 1953. In 1942 Martin was commissioned in the Militia and transferred to the A.I.F. the same year. He served in New Guinea from 1944 to 1945 retaining his portfolio during his war service. [ref:ADB 15]