THE LATE MR T. M. WIMSETT

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6613, 18 May 1928, Page 8

THE LATE MR T. M. WIMSETT

Referring to the death of Mr. Thomas Martin Wimsott, the Nelson Mail says: —Mr. Wimsott, who was 80 years of age, was born at Seven Oaks, Surrey, England, and arrived at Lyttelton with his parents in the ship Canterbury in 185.1. His father w-orked for Anderson and Co., Christchurch, for IS months, when Mr. Charles Harley, Snr., of Trafalgar street, offered him a position in Nelson as shoeing smith for the firm. Mr. Wimsott, Snr., decided to accept and removed with his family to Nelson district at the latter end of 1852. Two years afterwards he commenced business as a blacksmith and eoachbuilder on his own account in Bridge street, on the site of the present Y.M.C.A. building, taking his eldest son Henry into partnership. In the early days it was a common sight to sec bullocks as well as horses shot at Wimsett and Sons’ smithy. In 1880, Mr. Wimsett, Snr., died, and left his share in the business to the younger son (Thomas), and after that the two brothers carried on under the old style. In 1894 the elder brother died, leaving the younger sole proprietor until his retirement through vll-hoalth.

In 1860, Mr. Wimsott joined the Nelson Volunteer Fire Brigade, and he was the last of the original members of that body, having served up to his retirement 40 years of faithful and continuous service, during which time he rose from fireman, step by step, until he attained the position of captain, and received the long service medal and bars, and also the Dominion Fire Brigades’ Association gold star. In 1907 Captain Wimsett retired from the brigade, having rendered splendid service to the brigade and public. His services were recognised by the citizens and insurance companies by the presentation of a gold watch suitably inscribed. Ho also took a keen interest in volunteering, and was one of the original members of the old artillery cadets, which afterwards became the H Battery, serving 28 years as a volunteer and artillery officer. He also held the long service medals. He rose to commissioned rank, and when he retired on account of business responsibilities, lie was presented with an illuminated address. Ho was also entitled to the Queen ’s Decoration V.D., but he retired prior to receiving this. He was a keen sportsman at all times in his younger days, and an excellent shot, and tied for the Carbine Bolt championship with the late Captain Payntcr. Mr. Wimsett manufactured the first bicycle seen or ridden in Nelson, and it caused a deal of excitement in those days. Ho rode the machine to Foxhill and back, being the first to do so. ■ Ho was of a very kindly disposition, extremely generous, and with Mrs. Wimsett, did much for those in need. Mr. Wimsett was one of the oldest members of the Southern Star Lodge, and also a members of the Loyal Nelson Lodge of Oddfellows for some CO years, but his health in latter years did not allow him to take any active part. Ho is survived by two sisters, Mrs. H. Sanders, Now Plymouth, and Min, W. E. Brown, Wainui street, Nelson, and five sons and three daughters, namely— Arthur (Palmerston North), George (Blenheim), Selby (Wellington, Lome (Oakland, California), Hesse (Nelson), Miss Wimsett (Nelson), Mrs. Pownceby and Mrs. Rowe (Wellington). Mr. Earle R. AVimsctt is a grandson of deceased.