RENWICK, THOMAS (1818-79) was born at Dumfries and educated at Edinburgh, where he graduated M.D. After practising for some years in Kent, he made one voyage to India as surgeon to a passenger ship and in 1842 came to New Zealand as surgeon-superintendent of the Thomas Harrison. Renwick settled in Nelson and had a wide medical practice. In 1846 he was present as an onlooker at the capture of Ruapekapeka pa. In 1848 he took up the Dumgree estate in Marlborough, which was managed for him by George MacRae. He took a prominent part in the life of the province and was one of the first members for Nelson and Suburbs City in the Provincial Council (1853-61). For some years he was chairman of the hospital committee. In 1863 he was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member until his death on 28 Nov 1879.

Cycl. NZ, v (p); Carleton, ii, 127; Buick, Marlborough. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 114

🌳 Further sources