FARMER M.P. DEAD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20627, 1 December 1941, Page 4

FARMER M.P. DEAD

MR. THOMAS D. BURNETT GENEROUS BENEFACTOR (Per Press Association.) TIMAR'U, this day. The death occurred early yesterday morning after a severe illness of Mr. Thomas David Burnett, M.P. for Temuka, aged 64. Born in Cave in 1877, he was educated at the Timaru Main and Timaru Boys' High Schools. He went to work on the station of his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Burnett, who came from the highlands of Scotland to Canterbury in 1861 and straightaway proceeded to the Mackenzie Country.

In 1864 they took up the Mount Cook run which Mr. Burnett inherited on the death of his father.

Mr. Burnett entered politics in 1919 when he won the Temuka seat from the sitting member, Mr. C. J. Talbot. Mr. Burnett has held the seat ever since. In 1925 he suffered a severe accident and announced his intention to retire, but was prevailed on to reconsider his decision. 11l health caused Mr. Burnett again to announce his decision to retire a few years ago, but once more he Was prevailed on to continue to serve the country. While member for Temuka, Mr. Burnett was always keen for the advancement of South Canterbury, ; and his moral and financial assistance had always been forthcoming. Memorial Church Gift The Burnett family had never forgotten the debt they owed to the hardy pioneers, and their gift of St. David’s Pioneer Memorial Church at Cave, which is one of the best-known attractions of South Canterbury, was a typical expression o£ their regard. Mr. Burnett served on the Mackenzie County Council, Timaru Harbour Board, and Sheepowners’ Federation. The hard life facing women on farms induced Mr. Burnett to establish the Stratheona Hostel, where young women are trained in homecraft with a view to assisting on farms. Mr. Burnett provided a large area of land and also the hostel, and made himself largely responsible for the financial upkeep of the institution, which is a pioneer of its kind in the Dominion and a practical memorial to his vision. He also was the prime mover in the Downlands water supply scheme, Which he lived to see brought to a successful conclusion. The scheme ensures an adequate supply for a vast area which is subject to drought. Mr. Burnett is survived by his widow and one son, Mr. D. M. C. Burnett, and a daughter, Miss Catriana Burnett.