DEATH OF M.P. FOR TEMUKA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 283, 1 December 1941, Page 4

DEATH OF M.P. FOR TEMUKA

MR. 1 HOMAS D. BURNETT I LONG POLITICAL CAREER (Press Assn.) Timaru, Nov. 3d The death ovcuritd caiiy thb morning, after a severe illnc*s. ul Thomas David Burnett, NLP. for Temuka. aged 61. Born at Cave in 1877 and educated at tho Timaru Mam and Boys' High School, he went lo work on lhe station of his pm ent*, the late Mr. and Mrs. Andiew Buinett. who came from the Highlands Scotland, to Canterbury in 1861 and straightaway proceeded to the Mackenzie Country. In 1864 they look u. the Mount Cook run. which Mr. Burnett inherited on the death of hi* father. Mr. Burnett entered politics • m 1919. when he won the Temuka seat irom the sitting member. Mi. C. J. Talbot. Mr. Bui nett had held tht seat ever since 4. In 1925 he suffered a severe accident and announced hi* intention to retire, but was prevail’d on to reconsider his decision. 111I health caused Mr. Burnett again to announce his decision to i etire a fev. years ago, but once more he was prevail! d on to • >nt nu< to country While the member for Te muka. Mr. Burnett was always ke-m for the advancement of Smit it (’ nteiburx. and his moral and financial assistance had always bec-n forthcoming. The Burnett family have never forgotten the debt they owe to the hardy pioneers, and their gift of St. David's Pioneer Memorial Church at Cave, which is one of the hestknown at tract ions of South Canterbury. is a typical expression of their regard. Mr. Burnett served on the Mac kenzie County Council, the Timaru Harbour Board, and the Shcepowners’ Federation. The hard life f’>' ng women on farms induced Mr. Burnett to establish Strathcona Host* ; where young women are trained in homecraft with a view of 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 was the pioneer of its kind in the Dominion and a practical memorial to his vision. He was also 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 over a vast area which was subject to drought.

Mr. Burnett i s survived by hi: widow, one son. Mr. D M. C. Burnett and a daughter, Miss Catriana Burnett.