James William Thomson (1828 – 4 August 1907) was a 19th-century conservative Member of Parliament in New Zealand.

Early life

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Thomson was born in Auchterarder, Scotland, in 1828.[1] He obtained his education at the University of Edinburgh, where he obtained an MA. He came to New Zealand in 1859 and settled in Balclutha.[2]

Political career

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Provincial Council

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He was elected onto the Otago Provincial Council for the Clutha electorate in October 1864. He remained on the Provincial Council until May 1873.[3] For two days in May 1868, he was a member of the Otago Executive Council.[4] He was a "provincialist.[5]

Member of Parliament

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New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate Party
1871–1875 5th Clutha Independent
1876–1879 6th Clutha Independent
1879–1881 7th Clutha Independent
1881–1884 8th Clutha Independent
1884–1887 9th Clutha Independent
1890–1892 11th Bruce Independent
1896–1899 13th Clutha Independent
1899–1902 14th Clutha Independent
1902–1905 15th Clutha Independent

Thomson represented the Clutha electorate from 1871 to 1887 when he was defeated.[6] He then represented Bruce from 1890 to 1892, when he resigned.[6] He did not stand for election in the 1893 election.[2] Finally he represented the Clutha electorate again from 1896 to 1905, when he retired.[6]

Minister

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Thomson was for three months in 1879 Minister of Lands in the Grey Ministry.[7]

Notes

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  1. ^ Scholefield 1940, p. 383.
  2. ^ a b Cyclopedia Company Limited (1897). "Mr. James William Thomson". The Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Wellington Provincial District. Wellington: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
  3. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 223.
  4. ^ Scholefield 1950, p. 219.
  5. ^ "New Member". Evening Star. 6 December 1890 – via Papers Past.
  6. ^ a b c Wilson 1985, p. 240.
  7. ^ Wilson 1985, p. 68.

References

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New Zealand Parliament
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Clutha
1871–1887
1896–1905
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Thomas Mackenzie
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Bruce
1890–1892
Succeeded by