More Info →Harold Plimmer – was a man of many interests

Description

His maternal grandfather, Mr William C. Nation, was one of the earliest residents to recognise the value of Lake Horowhenua as a recreational and scenic asset to the people of Levin and the district. It was largely through the efforts of Mr Nation that Zealand's Arbour Day was founded. He was an early resident of Shannon where he founded the district's first newspaper the Manawatu Farmer which later became the Chronicle after Mr Nation moved to Levin.
Harold Plimmer was born in Wellington on June 17 1914. Because of the premature death of his father, he and his mother moved to Levin when he was three months old to live with his grandparents, and he spent the rest of his life there.

Harold attended the local primary school until he was 11 when a minor accident at school caused a serious infection. This put him into hospital for almost a year and a hip condition developed that resulted in a permanent leg injury. After leaving hospital he attended Scott's College for 18 months and when just 13 years old, left school and learned the trade of ticket and sign writing.
His services and skill in this area were, no doubt, viewed by many people. For many years he was the one who produced the large posters advertising the films that were showing or were to come to Levin's Regent Theatre. For 23 years he was in charge of the art department of A.W. Allen's large department store in the heart of Levin.
Many former staff members will remember him not only for his high standard, of work, but also for his gentle nature had willingness to listen to people’s problems and [unable to decipher...] ... to give them support and counselling.
After the closure of Allen’s, Harold worked in the music department of the Lamphouse, an electrical store in Levin. Later he went into business on his own account as a ticket writer and poster painter where his work was used by many local firms.

During this time his skill and adaptability in cartoon drawing brought him into association with Levin's Morrow Productions. Here he worked with Mike Walker, Bob Morrow and Chris Small with their successful efforts in producing many of the advertisements first seen on New Zealand television.
Harold was a man with wide interests which included fishing and golf. He was also a founding member of the Levin Archery Club and the Levin Camera Club. For many years he gave guidance and support to many would-be photographers.

Perhaps _ Harold's greatest interest was music. He was an accomplished and versatile musician being equally at home on the piano, clarinet, saxophone, guitar or drums. In his later years he was an enthusiastic participating member of the Levin Organ Club.
During the war years and for several years later he was a leading member of a local dance band known as, The Swing Stars.
It was while with this group that Harold devised and organised New Zealand's first dance band competition called, the Battle of the Bands. This was hugely successful and soon became a model for similar events , held throughout the country. Harold was married to Olive Cawthray for more than 50 years until her death in 1988. In 1989 he married Colleen Oak. He is survived by his wife Colleen, by his four children Sandra, Dennis, Laureen and Maxine, and his stepchildren Gay, Shona, Alene, Diana and Maria and by many grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Plimmer arrival to be marked

Two redevelopment projects are to be carried out in Wellington to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of John Plimmer in the city. The projects involve an upgrading of Plimmer Lane and Plimmer Steps and redevelopment of the Cable Car entrance to the Botanical Gardens.
Wellington Mayor Sir James Belich said the projects, expected to cost between $500,000 and $750,000, would be made possible by a bequest from the Plimmer family.

Identification

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