BALL, THOMAS (1809-97) was born at Brigg, Lincolnshire, educated there and qualified as a chemist. He had acquired a competence when he emigrated to New Zealand with his family in the ship Victoria, with 200 immigrants, most of whom settled on 40-acre sections at Mangonui (1861). Ball had taken an active interest in local and general politics in England and received an address from the citizens of Brigg when he left there (1859). He represented Mangonui in the Auckland Provincial Council (1861-72), and was a member of the executive (1862). Resigning his seat in 1872, he was succeeded by WILLIAM THOMAS BALL, who sat till the abolition of the provinces (1873-76). Thomas Ball represented the district also in the House of Representatives (1866-70). He was a strong advocate of popular education and in 1869 moved a resolution, which was carried without debate, calling for the introduction of a progressive system of public schools. He retired from Parliament in 1870, but his efforts were recognised by Fitzherbert in the debate of 1871, when his object was advanced a step towards the education act of 1877. Ball settled at Onehunga about 1880. He was a staunch Congregationalist and a justice of the peace. He died on 25 Dec 1897.

Auckland P.C. Proc.; Macmorran; N.Z. Herald, 28 Dec 1897. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 32

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