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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Thomas Peacock

Mr. Thomas Peacock represented several Auckland constituencies for a period of nine years and has had an honourable career as a public man. He was born in Glasgow, and trained as an optician and mathematical instrument maker; he arrived in New Zealand in 1862. Mr. Peacock entered the city council in 1878, and assumed the mayoral chair in November of that year. He was re-elected in 1879, thus holding office for two successive years. The principal event during his mayoralty was the initiation and opening of the Auckland free public library in September, 1880. Mr. Peacock was first elected to a seat in the House of Representatives at the general election of 1881, for Auckland City North. In the following parliament, he represented Newton, and at the general election of 1887 was returned for the new constituency of Ponsonby. Since the close of the tenth parliament in 1890, he has not sought re-election. During the whole of the time in which he occupied a seat in the legislature of the Colony, Mr. Peacock took an active and intelligent interest in the business of the House, and as a member of committees. On the formation of the Stout-Vogel Ministry in 1887, he was offered a portfolio, but, for reasons of a political character, declined to accept office. Mr. Peacock's services have ever been much in request in connection with various public bodies and registered companies, generally as chairman or director. Amongst other important positions held by him, may be mentioned that of chairman of the South British Insurance Company, and he was formerly a vice-president of the Auckland Savings Bank.

Mr. T. Peacock.

Mr. T. Peacock.