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Thomas, George Arnold
Biography
BiographyInformation from a September 22, 1965 "Leader" article on local elections, a second on July 24, 1968, where he stated that he would stand for election as mayor, and the October 29 1970 report on his death and funeral:-
George Thomas was born in New Zealand, educated at Otago Boys' High School, and served for six years in the RNZAF before joining Dunlop New Zealand in 1948 as stores supervisor, during the building of the factory. In 1958 he visited Dunlop plants at Fort Dunlop (Birmingham), Hanau (Germany), and Cork (Ireland) and was promoted to production manager when he returned. In 1964 he was made assistant to the Works Director. By 1964 he was one of around 40 people who had served Dunlop 15 years or more, and is visible in a photo of the group published in the "Leader" of December 8, 1965.
Among other distinctions, he had been President of the Upper Hutt RSA, who provided a guard of honour at his funeral.
The 'Leader' of October 2, 1968 covered his September 27 farewell; George was presented with a desk clock on a greenstone base, and was pictured with it.
He was elected to the Upper Hutt City Council in 1965, and to Mayor in 1968.
The October 9 'Leader' listed his commiunity record as:-
Executive member Hapai Club general committee
Past president, Upper hutt RSA
Executive member, original Swimming Bath Committee
Member of Upper Hutt Rotary Club
Chairman, City Council Traffic and Works Committee
Deputy nmember, 9B Roads District Council
Vestryman , St Hilda's Church
member, Citizens' Advisory Committe, Periodic Detention Centre, Lower Hutt
Vice-president, Swimming Cluband Asssociation Football Club
In February 1970 had to take leave of office for an operation. The 'Leader' interviewed him at home in late March about amalgamation with Hutt County's Heretaunga-Pinehaven and Rimutaka Riding. The leave of absence had to be extended indefinitely.
He collapsed and died on October 22, while travelling between Picton and Nelson.
The funeral was held at St Joseph's Catholic church, probably so as to accommodate the more than 200 people, as it was conducted by St Hilda's Anglican vicar, the Rev. Cyril Browne; George was a vestryman and treasurer there. The 'Leader' printed a picture with the hearse in the foreground, on October 29.
George Thomas was born in New Zealand, educated at Otago Boys' High School, and served for six years in the RNZAF before joining Dunlop New Zealand in 1948 as stores supervisor, during the building of the factory. In 1958 he visited Dunlop plants at Fort Dunlop (Birmingham), Hanau (Germany), and Cork (Ireland) and was promoted to production manager when he returned. In 1964 he was made assistant to the Works Director. By 1964 he was one of around 40 people who had served Dunlop 15 years or more, and is visible in a photo of the group published in the "Leader" of December 8, 1965.
Among other distinctions, he had been President of the Upper Hutt RSA, who provided a guard of honour at his funeral.
The 'Leader' of October 2, 1968 covered his September 27 farewell; George was presented with a desk clock on a greenstone base, and was pictured with it.
He was elected to the Upper Hutt City Council in 1965, and to Mayor in 1968.
The October 9 'Leader' listed his commiunity record as:-
Executive member Hapai Club general committee
Past president, Upper hutt RSA
Executive member, original Swimming Bath Committee
Member of Upper Hutt Rotary Club
Chairman, City Council Traffic and Works Committee
Deputy nmember, 9B Roads District Council
Vestryman , St Hilda's Church
member, Citizens' Advisory Committe, Periodic Detention Centre, Lower Hutt
Vice-president, Swimming Cluband Asssociation Football Club
In February 1970 had to take leave of office for an operation. The 'Leader' interviewed him at home in late March about amalgamation with Hutt County's Heretaunga-Pinehaven and Rimutaka Riding. The leave of absence had to be extended indefinitely.
He collapsed and died on October 22, while travelling between Picton and Nelson.
The funeral was held at St Joseph's Catholic church, probably so as to accommodate the more than 200 people, as it was conducted by St Hilda's Anglican vicar, the Rev. Cyril Browne; George was a vestryman and treasurer there. The 'Leader' printed a picture with the hearse in the foreground, on October 29.
Photos
Details
Place of BirthDunedinPlace of DeathHavelock, between Nelson and PictonPlace of BurialAkatarawaPlace of Residence7 Benzie Avenue, Upper HuttSexMale
Place of DeathHavelock, between Nelson and PictonPlace of BurialAkatarawaPlace of Residence7 Benzie Avenue, Upper HuttSexMaleMarriage
WifeMaureen Monica
Thomas, George Arnold. Upper Hutt City Library, accessed 13/04/2026, https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/16026