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CC0 (aka CC Zero) is a public dedication tool, which enables creators to give up their copyright and put their works into the worldwide public domain.CC0 (aka CC Zero) is a public dedication tool, which enables creators to give up their copyright and put their works into the worldwide public domain. CC0 enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, with no conditions.
PALMER Thomas Ernest
Personal Details
NameThomas Ernest Palmer
Also known asTommyLife dates1871-1948BiographyIn 1907 Tommy and two other men, William R Gray and Charles Chester formed a partnership to build a new Te Puke Hotel after the previous one was destroyed by fire. The firm was also responsible for moving the old Karangahake Hotel from Ohinemuri to Te Puke and reassembling it as the Kaituna Hotel, later the Thompson Sack Factory. They also built the Presbyterian Church and many residential homes. When the first Town Board was formed in 1913, Tommy was its first Chairman. He was also a foundation member of the Te Puke Bowling Club, President of the Te Puke Cricket Club, VP of the Te Puke Rugby Union Club and a member of the Rotorua-Bay of Plenty Hunt Club. He was a Mason and member of the Forester's Lodge. A gifted public speaker, he was often called upon to officiate in public events and was active in the patriotic movements for both the World Wars.Place of birthMeriden, Warwick, UKOccupationArchitect, building contractorPlace of ResidenceWaihi, Te Puke
Also known asTommyLife dates1871-1948BiographyIn 1907 Tommy and two other men, William R Gray and Charles Chester formed a partnership to build a new Te Puke Hotel after the previous one was destroyed by fire. The firm was also responsible for moving the old Karangahake Hotel from Ohinemuri to Te Puke and reassembling it as the Kaituna Hotel, later the Thompson Sack Factory. They also built the Presbyterian Church and many residential homes. When the first Town Board was formed in 1913, Tommy was its first Chairman. He was also a foundation member of the Te Puke Bowling Club, President of the Te Puke Cricket Club, VP of the Te Puke Rugby Union Club and a member of the Rotorua-Bay of Plenty Hunt Club. He was a Mason and member of the Forester's Lodge. A gifted public speaker, he was often called upon to officiate in public events and was active in the patriotic movements for both the World Wars.Place of birthMeriden, Warwick, UKOccupationArchitect, building contractorPlace of ResidenceWaihi, Te PukePhotographs
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Family
Father's nameThomas Palmer (Snr)Mother's nameSarah Martha Palmer (nee Newbold)SpouseMabel Evelyn Palmer (Nee Odlum Whelan)ChildElizabeth Maud (Bess) PalmerFlorence Evelyn PalmerJesse Athol (Jess) Fenwick (nee Palmer)Hubert Roy Whelan PalmerPhyllis Dorothy PalmerEdward Arnold Thomas PalmerConstance Alexandra Palmer
Mother's nameSarah Martha Palmer (nee Newbold)SpouseMabel Evelyn Palmer (Nee Odlum Whelan)ChildElizabeth Maud (Bess) PalmerFlorence Evelyn PalmerJesse Athol (Jess) Fenwick (nee Palmer)Hubert Roy Whelan PalmerPhyllis Dorothy PalmerEdward Arnold Thomas PalmerConstance Alexandra PalmerEarly Settler Data
Pioneer or Early Settler pre1900Yes
Related Information
PhotosTommy Palmer's wisteriaKaituna Hotel FireCollectionThe leaders of Te Puke Borough - 1913-1989BooksThe Pioneers, Settlers and Families of Te Puke and DistrictThe Story of Te PukeImage courtesy ofTe Puke Archive Collection
Kaituna Hotel FireCollectionThe leaders of Te Puke Borough - 1913-1989BooksThe Pioneers, Settlers and Families of Te Puke and DistrictThe Story of Te PukeImage courtesy ofTe Puke Archive Collectionloading google map....
PALMER Thomas Ernest. Western Bay of Plenty Community Archives, accessed 19/03/2026, https://westernbay.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/2509
