HIRST, THOMAS (1805-83) was born at Halifax, Yorkshire. He was already in middle age and had made a competence as a woolstapler when he sailed for New Zealand with his family in the Gwalior (1852). He took up a farm at Bell Block, Taranaki, and worked it until the outbreak of the Maori war compelled most of the settlers to retire to New Plymouth. He then with his wife paid a visit to England, sailing in the William Brown. The ship was burned at sea off Madeira and the passengers were rescued from the boats by a Swedish brig (Oct 1861).

On returning to New Zealand Hirst resided mainly in New Plymouth, taking a great interest in public life and in proposals for the improvement of the town and harbour. He constructed several ingenious models of concrete moles, breakwaters and floating landing stages. He stood for Parliament in 1853 and was a member of the Provincial Council for New Plymouth for one year (1865-66), trying unsuccessfully to regain a seat in 1873. He did duty for many years as a justice of the peace and was a prominent member of the Anglican synod. Hirst died on 11 Oct 1883 and his widow (who was a daughter of Jonathan Bracken, of Luddenden, Yorkshire) on 8 Sep 1901.

Taranaki P.C. minutes and Gaz.; Jacobs; Taranaki Herald, 12 Oct 1883; 9, 10 Sep 1901; News, 18 Oct 1883. Portrait: Taranaki Hist. Coll.

Reference: Volume 1, page 213

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