HISLOP, THOMAS WILLIAM (1850-1925), who was born in Kirknewton, Midlothian, was a son of John Hislop (q.v.). With his parents he came to New Zealand in 1856 by the Strathmore. He attended the Taieri primary school, Shaw's grammar school, the Otago Boys High School and Otago University. Admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1871, he practised law in Oamaru until 1890, being crown prosecutor (1872-76).

From 1876 until 1880 (when he resigned), Hislop represented Waitaki in the House of Representatives (defeating Sir William Steward). He was again in the House for Oamaru (1885-90) (defeating Lord Reidhaven). In 1887 he joined the Atkinson ministry, first as Colonial Secretary and later as Minister of Education and of Justice. During this time he drafted the optional clauses in the land act of 1877, and passed the local bodies powers act, the representation act, and the shipping and seamen's act. Several of his social measures were thrown out as too extreme, and were carried a few years later. In 1889 Hislop was made an officer of the Legion of Honour, in recognition of his services at the Paris exhibition. Moving to Wellington in 1890, he practised in partnership with A. de B. Brandon. He contested Wellington seats in the elections of 1890, 1905 and 1908, but was not again successful. Hislop was mayor of Wellington (1904-08). In 1921 he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council, a position he held till his death on 2 Oct 1925.

He married, first (1873) Maria Annie (who died 1909), daughter of James Simpson of Parramatta, and second (1923) Marguerite E. Smith, of Wellington. One of his sons, THOMAS CHARLES ATKINSON HISLOP, (1888-) was elected mayor of Wellington in 1931.

NZ.P.D., 18 Jul 1926; Cycl. N.Z., i, iv; Who's Who N.Z., 1908, 1924; Butt. Fort. Notes, 10 Nov 1925; Auckland Star, 27 Sep 1887; Evening Post, 8 Oct 1925; North Otago Times, 19 May 1885. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 213

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