19 Facts About Harry Atmore

Harry Atmore was a New Zealand Independent Member of Parliament for Nelson in the South Island.

Harry Atmore held the Nelson seat as an Independent for a total of thirty years from 1911 to 1914 and then from 1919 to his death in 1946.

Harry Atmore was Minister of Education and Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in Sir Joseph Ward's United Government of 1928 to 1931.

Harry Atmore later moved to Wellington and spent eight years there as an apprentice signwriter and decorator.

Harry Atmore was a member of the Nelson Licensing Committee, Education Board and Hospital Board.

Harry Atmore unsuccessfully contested the Nelson seat in 1902,1905 and 1908 against the Liberal John Graham.

Harry Atmore gave his support in Sir Joseph Ward's Liberal government by voting for it on a no-confidence motion, which was saved by just one vote.

Harry Atmore believed that politicians should be, first and foremost, representatives of the people.

Harry Atmore lost his seat in the 1914 election, but returned to parliament in 1919 after unsuccessfully contesting the Wellington Central 1918 by-election which was won by Peter Fraser, the Labour Party candidate.

Harry Atmore was an admirer of Benito Mussolini due to his opposition to socialist radicals in Italy.

Harry Atmore formed a committee to examine the existing public education system.

Harry Atmore was one New Zealander who was looking for solutions to problems within the altered economic, social and political context of inter-war New Zealand.

Harry Atmore believed it was important to be informed on the issues of the day including monetary reform, international rearmament and the pivotal role of the USSR in any crisis.

On 8 August 1946 Harry Atmore announced his intention not to stand again at the next election.

Harry Atmore was a well known man in Nelson, refusing to drive a car, instead preferring to ride a bicycle everywhere locally which made him a visible addition to the community.

Harry Atmore personally answered all messages and requests in his own handwriting as an indication of his dedication to his work.

Harry Atmore married Dorothy Annie Corrigan on 24 June 1936, at the age of 65, at Hawera.

Harry Atmore organised a call to repair a country school, the completion of the Nelson railway, an exemption for an only son of an elderly farming couple from military service and helped issue jobs in the public service to the unemployed.

Harry Atmore embodied the aspirations of small town residents and their desires for a fairer and more egalitarian society.