BIRCH, THOMAS (1825-80) was born at Fortrose, Ross, Scotland. He was an orphan and received only the parish education, after which he served an apprenticeship to a cabinetmaker in Aberdeen. He worked for some years in Edinburgh and London and came to Otago in the Slains Castle (1852). In Dunedin he worked at his trade for a few years. He accompanied James Macandrew and C. W. Ligar in the Star to survey the site of Invercargill, spending three days ashore at Waikawa, whence they proceeded overland to Toetoes, living in Maori whares en route. Birch erected at Invercargill a frame house which he had constructed in Dunedin. In 1858, with his wife he revisited Scotland, lecturing to promote immigration. He sat in the Otago Provincial Council for Dunedin City (1863-64) and in 1865 was elected to the first City Council. Birch was unanimously elected Mayor in 1868 and re-elected for the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh (1868-70). He created the Mayor's Court in Dunedin. In 1869 he was returned to Parliament as one of the members for Dunedin City (1869-70). In 1873 he went to Scotland again as immigration agent for Otago. He was an enthusiastic volunteer (No. 2 Scottish company 1863), and three years president of the Caledonian Society. Birch died at sea on 12 Mar 1880.

Lyttelton Times, 7 Jun 1880; Otago Daily Times; Cycl. NZ.

Portrait: Town Hall, Dunedin.

Reference: Volume 1, page 51

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