OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 88, 14 April 1943, Page 6

OBITUARY

MRS. DAVID THOMAS

The death occurred recently of Mrs. Mary otewart Thomas, a well-known resident of Ashburton. .Mrs. Thomas, who had many friends in Wellington, was born at Maidstone. Kent in 1805 and arrived in New Zealand in 1858 with her parents. Her father, Mr. Jennings, later took charge of the school in Papanui Road, Christchurch, which, after his death at the age of 33, her mother carried on with the help of her two daughters. In 1882 her marriage to Mr. David Thomas took place. Mr. Thomas was closely associated with the early days of Ashburton and did much to build up the town from its small beginnings. He was Mayor from 1888 to 1890. Mrs. Thomas took a keen interest in the affairs of numerous local bodies and was an ardent supporter of the Anglican Church. She was a gracious hostess and many notable functions were held at her home during her husband's lifetime. Mrs. Thomas's family comprises Mrs. W. A. Grumitt (Cambridge), Mrs. G. H. Scott (Wellington), Mr. D. C. D. Thomas (Katikati), Major J. T Thomas and Mr. W. B. Thomas (Ashburton), Mr. E. S. Thomas (Christchurch), and Major D. V. Thomas (who is overseas with the New Zealand Forestry Unit). One son, Mr. R. J. Thomas, was killed in 1915. There are 18 grandchildren.