FITZGERALD, THOMAS HENRY (1824-88), a brother of John P. Fitzgerald (q.v.) was born at Carrickmacross, county Monaghan, Ireland, arrived in New Zealand in the George Fyfe in 1842 as an assistant surveyor, and was one of the signatories of the Te Aro deed (1844). He remained in Wellington for some years. In 1847 he reported on the line of road to Wairarapa, and in 1853 he was appointed to survey native lands purchased in Hawkes Bay, amounting to over 600,000 acres. He suggested that the Nova Scotians who were seeking land in New Zealand should be settled near the harbour at Ahuriri.

Fitzgerald represented Ahuriri in the Wellington Provincial Council (1857-59) and took a leading part in the demand for separation from Wellington. When Hawkes Bay became a separate province he was elected first Superintendent because the Council was equally divided in favour of Captain Lambert and Captain Newman. He held office from 1859-61. He represented Napier Town in the Council (1859-61). During 1860 also he represented the 'County of Hawke' in Parliament.

In 1862 he went to Australia and entered the Queensland Government service as a surveyor, but resigned to start a large sugar plantation at Mackay, where he erected the first mill. He entered the Queensland Parliament in 1867 as member for Kennedy (being elected also for Mackay), and was Colonial Treasurer in the Lilley Government (1868-69). He again entered politics as member for Bowen (1873), resigning on account of insolvency in 1875. His plantations being unprofitable, he resumed the practice of his profession, explored the northern rivers and founded the sugar settlement of Innisfail, which was originally called 'Geraldton' in his honour. Retiring in 1885, Fitzgerald died on 10 Nov 1888. He married (1851) Jessie, daughter of James Wilson, Rangitikei. Fitzgerald's son, Charles Borromeo, was member for Mitchell in the Queensland Parliament (1896-1901).

N.Z.P.D., 1860; Wellington P.C. Proc.; Hawkes Bay P.C. Proc. and Gaz.; N.Z. Gaz., 7 Aug 1847; Queensland Gaz.; Ward; Carter; Queenslander, Nov 1888; Public Library of Victoria

Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 147

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