DOWNES, THOMAS WILLIAM (1868-1938) was born in Wellington (his father being a surveyor), and brought up in Bulls, where he became interested in the history of the Ngati Apa tribe. In 1898 he entered into business in Wanganui and in 1913 became superintendent for the Wanganui River Trust. He was a deep student of Maori history, on which he wrote many papers for the Polynesian Society. He published Old Whanganui (1915) and a history and guide to the river (1921, 1923). Downes made many gifts to the Wanganui Museum. He married (1890) Margaret, daughter of Andrew Thomson. His death occurred on 6 Aug 1938.

Polynesian Journal, Sep 1938; Wanganui Chronicle, 8 Aug 1938.

Reference: Volume 1, page 126

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