HAMER, THOMAS HUTCHINSON (1855-1924) was a son of the Rev Thomas Hamer (1814-99), who was sent to Auckland by the Congregational Union in 1865 to establish a church, and was a founder of the Freedom of Religion Society, formed to resist the establishment of a state religion. His son Thomas was born in Auckland and educated at Wesley College and McRae's high school. He was in the office of the Provincial Superintendent (1872-76), then for two years in the Bank of New Zealand at Thames, and in 1878 became a clerk in the Mines department. He was acting-Undersecretary in 1887 and later chief clerk of lands and mines. In 1891 Hamer became private secretary to the Minister (Hon R. J. Seddon) with whom he remained until his death (1906) when he became Under-secretary for Mines. In 1908 he was appointed auditor in the High Commissioner's office in London. Hamer married first (1883) Isabella Rayner (of Hutt), and second (1893) a daughter of W. Dollimore (Lyell). He died on 13 Feb 1924.

Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Southern Cross, 6 Oct 1865; N.Z. Herald, 21 Jun 1899, 25 Oct 1905; N.Z. Times, 15 Feb 1924.

Reference: Volume 1, page 191

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