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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Mr. John Thomson

Mr. John Thomson , one of the repre-sentatives for Port Chalmers on the Otago Harbour Board, was born at Dalkeith, Scotland, in 1844. His father, the late Mr. John Thomson, one of the pioneers of Otago, whom he accompanied to New Zealand, in 1848 in the ship “Blundell,” was for many years Sheep Inspector in Otago, died at his residence, Dalkeith, Port Chalmers, in 1895 Mr. Thomson was educated at Port Chalmers, and afterwards followed mercantile pursuits for some years. On the breaking out of the gold rush he gave up business, and was for some time at Gabriel's Gully, and, later on the West Coast. He returned to Port Charmers and joined the Customs Department at the Port, but retired from the Government service during the retrenchments of 1880. Mr. Thomson then entered business as a licensed victualler, and carried on as such until 1892, when he disposed of his hotel interests. Since then he has carried on a commission and general agency business at the Port. During the many years of his residence at Port Chalmers Mr. Thomas has been always identified with the progress of the town, and has taken a leading part in all municipal matters. He was a member of the Borough Council for six years, and Mayor for the years 1902 and 1903. During his Mayoralty the handsome rotunda in commemoration of the accession of King Edward the Seventh was erected. For over ten years he has represented Port Chalmers on the Harbour Bad. He has been a member of the Dock Trust since 1899, and was acting-chairman in 1903. Mr. Thomson is a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, Hospital and Benevolent Trustees, and of the Port Chalmers school committee. He has been an Oddfellow since 1866, and has gone through all the chairs, and became a Freemason in 1881.

Mr. J. Thomson.

Mr. J. Thomson.