Thomas Thompson (New Zealand politician)

The Honourable Thomas Thompson
15th Minister of Justice
In office 2 March 1896 – 23 January 1900
Preceded by	William Hall-Jones
Succeeded by	James McGowan
Personal details
Born	1832 Ireland
Died	21 January 1919 New Zealand
Political party	Liberal Party

Thomas Thompson (1832 – 21 January 1919) was a New Zealand politician of the Liberal Party.

Biography

Early life and career

Thompson was born in Ireland in 1832 where he was entered the grocery trade as a merchant. In 1853 he shifted to Australia during the gold rush in Victoria. Then he moved to Auckland in the 1860s and carried on a grocery business there.[1]

During the New Zealand Wars Thompson saw service with the volunteers in 1863. He received a commission as a lieutenant in 1867.[2]

In local matters Thompson served as a member of the Road Board, Domain Board and School Committee of Mount Eden. In 1878 he was elected a member of Auckland City Council, retaining his seat until 1884, also representing the Council on the Auckland Harbour Board.[2]

Member of Parliament

New Zealand Parliament

Years	Term	Electorate		Party
1884–1887	9th	Auckland North			Independent
1887–1890	10th	Auckland North			Independent
1890–1893	11th	City of Auckland			Liberal
1895–1896	12th	City of Auckland			Liberal
1896–1899	13th	City of Auckland			Liberal

He represented the Auckland North electorate from 1884 to 1890, then the City of Auckland electorate from 1890 to 1899, when he retired.[3]

He was Minister of Justice from 2 March 1896 to 23 January 1900 and Minister of Defence from 22 June 1896 to 23 January 1900 in the Liberal Government.[4]

He was appointed to the Legislative Council on 18 March 1903 and his appointment was renewed on 18 March 1910; his term ended on 17 March 1917.[5]

Later life and death

Thompson died in Mount Eden, Auckland, on 21 January 1919,[2] and was buried at Purewa Cemetery.[6]

Notes

1. Hamer 1988, p. 367.
2. "Passing of old colonist". Auckland Star. 22 January 1919. p. 6. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
3. Wilson 1985, p. 240.
4. Wilson 1985, p. 73.
5. Wilson 1985, p. 165.
6. "Burial and cremation details". Purewa Cemetery & Crematorium. Retrieved 22 January 2016.

References

• Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.
• Hamer, David A. (1988). The New Zealand Liberals: The Years of Power, 1891–1912. Auckland: Auckland University Press. ISBN 1-86940-014-3.

Political offices
Preceded by William Hall-Jones	Minister of Justice 1896–1900	Succeeded by James McGowan
New ministerial post	Minister of Police 1896–1900