KYNNERSLEY, THOMAS ALFRED SNEYD (1840-74) was born in 1840 and entered the Royal Navy as a midshipman. His promotion was rapid until in July 1858 he was appointed mate and posted to the Syren for service on the south-east coast of America. Early in 1861 he was promoted lieutenant, but shortly afterwards was compelled to seek a better climate on account of his health. Kynnersley came to New Zealand and became a settler at Queen Charlotte Sound about 1861 or 1862, cultivating a small plot of ground, living in primitive fashion and spending his leisure time sailing boats.

In October 1864, through the influence (it is said) of Sewell, he was appointed warden and resident magistrate on the Pelorus goldfield, and shortly afterwards for the goldfields of the province. Towards the end of 1865 he was selected by A. Saunders (q.v.) for the important post of resident magistrate and warden on the newly opened goldfields in the south-west of Nelson province. In January 1867 he was appointed chief warden and commissioner, and two months later receiver of land revenue. The next Superintendent (Curtis) also had confidence in Kynnersley, whom he granted almost plenipotentiary powers, while the Provincial Council voted generous funds for the work. Though not yet 30 years of age he showed surprising tact, good sense and fairness in dealing with an independent and sometimes wilful class of men, and great judgment in superintending the construction of public works in his district. In March 1868 he dealt most tactfully with the Fenian outburst at Addison's Flat.

Feeling that his post, as an emergency one, was no longer necessary, he resigned in September in the hope of recruiting his health by a visit to England. While there he retired from the Navy (September 1869), and when he came back he was again appointed warden for Wangapeka and Upper Buller (February 1870). A few weeks later he was a member of the provincial executive. He resigned from the executive in June and in the following month was elected to represent Westland North in Parliament. The dual position (official and parliamentary) which he held until the dissolution at the end of the year did not escape criticism. In March 1872 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Grey, and for 12 months was a capable and prominent member. His health, however, steadily declined, and he died at Nelson on 31 January 1874.

Admiralty records; Proc. Nelson P.C.; Beauchamp; Hindmarsh; Reid; The Colonist, 24 Apr 1868; Westport Times, 6 Feb 1874.

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