THOMPSON, ROBERT (1840-1922) was the son of a farmer at Newtown Butler, County Fermanagh, Ireland. He was sent as a youth to relatives in St. Croix, Danish West Indies, to learn sugar-planting, but after spending five years there he visited Canada, the United States and Ireland, and then emigrated to Australia (1864). He was sheep farming at Yanko, New South Wales, until 1868 when he decided to settle in New Zealand. In 1870 he took up land near Whangarei, and a few years later entered into business as an auctioneer and commission agent, which he carried on for 12 years. He took a great interest in local affairs, being chairman of the harbour board, the town board and the county council (1881-87). In 1887 he was elected to represent Marsden in Parliament (defeating Dargaville). He then retired from business and devoted his whole time to politics, being re-elected repeatedly until 1902, when he was defeated by F. Mander (q.v.). He contested the seat again without success in 1905 and 1908. Thompson married Mary, daughter of H. R. Aubrey (q.v.). He died on 21 Apr 1922.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908; N.Z.P.D., 29 Jun 1922.

Reference: Volume 2, page 193

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