Mr and Mrs Wallnutt

Waihi Borough Council Diamond Jubilee Booklet 1902-1962

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Mr W. M. Wallnutt was born in Ireland, in 1870, beingthe grandson of the Lord Mayor of Limerick and Captain the Hon. Hugh Brice White, R.N., Commander-in-Chief of the Coast Guards, Ireland. He had his schooling in England and came to New Zealand when 19, serving for several years with the Survey Department, before coming to Waihi in 1896.

Mr and Mrs Wallnutt had a long and honourable association with Waihi. After a three-year period of mining Mr Wallnutt took up journalism. He took an active interest in sport, and in the formation of the Waihi Borough, and was Coroner for 40 years. Mr and Mrs Wallnutt always helped with everything and were particularly interested in amateur dramatics, singing and music. Mrs Wallnutt sang in the Church of England choir for many years.

On May 2, 1923, Mr Wallnutt was elected Mayor of Waihi and retained this office until his death at the age of 76 on July 28, 1947. Many tributes have been paid to the services Mrs Wallnutt gave as Mayoress during this long period. She was later the recipient of a richly deserved Coronation Medal when references were made to the part she had played during both World Wars and also the Boer War. She in turn is generous in her praise of those who assisted her.

Mrs Wallnutt (nee Chitham), now 84, lives alone in Roycroft Street her children, Brice, Dulcie and Ethel all being married and away from the district.