OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17337, 8 December 1919, Page 8

OBITUARY.

OLD COLONIST'S DEATH. MRS MARTHA THOMAS. One of the early colonists of New Zetland, Mrs. Martha Thomas, widow of the late Captain Esdaile Thomas, died at her residence, Birdwood Crescent, Parnell, on Saturday. Mrs. Thomas, who was aged 84 years, arrived in New Zealand with her husband in 1857, Captain Thomas having previously served as an officer in the 26t!i Regiment (the Cameronians) and as captain in the 2nd "Cheshires. They first settled in the Wairaa*apa district. In 1866 Captain Thomas was appointed resident magistrate in . the Chatham Islands, where the notorious T© Kooti and a band of captured followers were committed for safe custody. The guard on the islands was reduced; and Te Kooti and his band escaped in the schooner Rifleman. A 1 though gagged, bound and threatened, Captain Thomas' was not harmed. Mrs. Thomas escaped with her children to the bush, where she remained during he exodus of .the escapees. Captain Thomas remained for some time at the Chatham Islands in a dual capacity of resident magistrate and Government Resident, and on his return to New Zealand obtained an appointment in the Customs Department at Napier. After serving there for some ' time he was transferred to Auckland as ) chief clerk. He retired from the service in June, 1887, and later entered into business on his own account.' Captain Thomas died on September 26, 1891. Mr?. Thomas continued to live in Parnell until her death. Her eldest son is Mr. Rees Goring Thomas, for many years registrar of the Supreme Court, Auckland. Mrs. Thomas also leaves two daughters—Mrs. Caroline Ashmore, of George Street, Parnell, and Miss Madeline Thomas. A younger son, Mr. Esdaile Thomas, residej in England.