THACKER, HENRY THOMAS JOYNT (1870-1939) was born at Okains Bay, Canterbury, and educated at the school there and at the Christchurch Boys' High School. At Canterbury College he graduated B.A. In 1892 he proceeded to Edinburgh University, where he took his medical and surgical degrees, and in 1898 he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.

Thacker practised in Christchurch for some years and took a keen interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Christchurch hospital board and of the Lyttelton harbour board (1907-22). He contested parliamentary elections in Lyttelton in 1908 and 1911 and in Christchurch East in 1913. Elected in 1914 for the latter seat, he represented it till 1922. From 1919 to 1923 he was mayor of Christchurch and from 1929-31 a member of the City Council.

Thacker was an ardent supporter of the Port of Christchurch League, of which he was chairman (1929-32). He was president of the New Zealand Brass Bands association (1904-28) and patron from 1932. As a student he was a successful athlete, playing Rugby football for Canterbury College, Canterbury and Edinburgh University.

Thacker married (1898) Monica Alexandra, daughter of Alexander Morrison, Belfast, Ireland. He died on 3 May 1939.

N.Z.P.D., notably 30 Jun 1939; Who's Who N.Z., 1924, 1932; Wigram; The Dominion and The Press, 4 May 1939 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 192

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