MR. G. M. THOMSON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21580, 26 August 1933, Page 10

MR. G. M. THOMSON

The late Mr. G. M. Thomson, whose death has just occurred, was better known in Dunedin than in Auckland, but the most significant activities o£ his long career qualified hi m to be honoured by the whole of New Zealand. His record in public life, in education, in social activities and in welfare work was a notable one. The greater part of it was centred on the city with whose life he was identified throughout the many years he spent in New Zealand. But his scientific work was o£ Dominion-wide importance, and it is this which constituted his chief claim to the regard of all his fellow citizens. Mr. Thomson maintained an untiring interest in all forms of wild life, whether of land or water. His attitude was not simply that of the scientist, pursuing knowledge wholly for its own sake, and disregarding its bearing on human affairs. He had the thoroughness and the untiring industry of the scientist in seeking new knowledge, but he was always concerned in the use of it for the benefit of the community. The marine fish hatcheries at Portobello were one example, perhaps the best known, of this enthusiasm. He set out to do all that could be done to establish in New Zealand waters fish that would be of economic value. This was typical of the practical side conspicuous in many of his labours. Mr. Thomson was also an authority on the introduction and establishment in New Zealand of the many forms of wild life from overseas which have obtained a footing, here. He was a pioneer in the work of recording the introduction and subsequent fate of the many species of animals and plants which have accompanied European settlement in these islands. Neither his special gifts nor his personality tended to make him a conspicuous figure, but he did work which was of high value to the country, entitling him to be gratefully remembered by it.