TANNER, THOMAS (1830-1918) was born in Wiltshire, the son of a landed proprietor. After studying medicine, he abandoned it and came to New Zealand in the Larkins (1849). He spent some time gaining experience with John Cameron (Wanganui), and in 1853 removed to Hawke's Bay. There, as the representative of the 'Twelve Apostles,' he took up a large run on the Ruataniwha plains. He himself owned the land on which Hastings was laid out. He subsequently purchased land in the Ahuriri plain and the Endsleigh and Petane runs. Tanner and William Rich first leased the Heretaunga plains about 1864-65. During the Maori war he assisted to raise a cavalry troop at Waipawa in which he held a captain's commission (1864) and served with the column relieving Mohaka and Poverty Bay.

Tanner was a member of the Hawke's Bay Provincial Council (for Te Aute 1867-71; Havelock 1871-75). He represented Waipawa in Parliament (1887-90). He was chairman of the education board and the Hawke's Bay county council and a governor of the Napier High School. He was a founder of the A. and P. society, and exhibited sheep with great success from 1863. He helped to found the Hawke's Bay Philosophical society, and was a member of the synod (1872-80) and chairman of committees. His death occurred on 22 Jul 1918.

Hawkes Bay P.C. Proc.; Cycl. NZ, vi (p); N.Z.P.D., 25 Oct 1918; Hawkes Bay Herald, 23 Jul 1918, 7 May 1937 (p). Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 185

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