Lambro was born in 1878 to Andrew and Mary (nee Jackson) Parris. According to Lambro’s obituary, he commenced work on wharves in 1885. He was a foundation member of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union. He learnt boxing from Professor Bloom but did not continue boxing as long in the sport as he wished. This was because in 1910 he began to lose his eyesight.
Fundraising activities were held in order to send Lambro to London for treatment and also acknowledging he was the only support of his widowed mother. A benefit concert and dance was held in St Peter’s Schoolroom on Ghuznee Street. “Dancing allowed only in shoes”. The Harbour Board contributed £10 10s, the Mayor £1 1s. By January 1911, he set sail for England and while there he married Elizabeth [Nellie] Anthony.
In May a subscription list was started to raise more funds so that he might extend his stay. The treatment did not work and he returned to New Zealand with his new bride in August.
Life must have been very hard for the Parris family. In 1916 Nellie was convicted of stealing a gold broach and £2 while working as a char woman. The broach was recovered but not the money. It was acknowledged that her husband was blind and she had two little children to support.
Lambro and Nellie were parents to Bill, the New Zealand welterweight boxing champion in 1934 and 1936, and Lionel, a well-known lightweight boxer. They also had a daughter, Linda. Despite being blind, Lambro continued his interest in sports and originated the Tartan Boxing Club in 1932, of which he was its secretary.
Lambro died in 1937 aged 58 and was cremated. His ashes are in the columbarium behind the chapel.
Nellie died in 1985 aged 98 and was cremated at Karori.
