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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

The Hon. Thomas Thompson

The Hon. Thomas Thompson, Minister of Justice and Defence, is a native of Cork, Ireland. Upon the discovery of gold in Australia he came out to Melbourne, landing in 1853, and commenced business as a carrier from Melbourne to the various stores in the interior. Owing to ill-health he came to Auckland and started in the grocery and provision business, from which he retired in 1883. Mr. Thompson has taken considerable interest in the Volunteer movement, and was one of the first to take part in it when started in Auckland, in 1858. He held a commission and served during the native troubles in the early sixties, part of the time with the Imperial troops. He has been chairman of several local bodies, and for many years was a member of the Auckland City Council. He was also for some time a member of the Auckland Harbour Board. In the General Election of 1884 he stood for Auckland City (North), and defeated his opponent, Mr. Joseph Newman, by a large majority. In 1890 he was successful against Mr. S. Vaile—the railway reformer—for the same seat. At the General Election of 1893 Mr. Thompson was defeated, but at the bye-election in the following year, caused by the retirement of Sir George Grey, he was again returned to the House by a majority of nearly 2000 votes against Mr. Monk. In March, 1896, he was appointed Minister of Justice in the Seddon Ministry, and a few months later received the portfolio of Defence. At the 1896 election Mr. Thompson was returned for Auckland City at the head of the poll, there being ten candidates in the field for the three seats.

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Mrs. Thompson.

Mrs. Thompson.