Thomas Buxton (New Zealand politician)

He was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1863 and came to New Zealand with his family in 1865. He was the son of New Zealand politician Searby Buxton.[1]

When young he gained employment at the Farmers' Co-operative Association at Timaru remaining there until he commenced business on his own account 18 years later.[1] He became a grain and produce merchant, first in Temuka and later in Timaru.[2]

He was the chairman of the Temuka sports association and actively played tennis, cricket and golf.[1]

He was one of the inaugural members of the Temuka Borough Council and was the Mayor of Temuka for 10 years.[1]

He represented the Geraldine electorate from 1908 to 1911; and then the Temuka electorate from 1911 to 1914, when he retired.[3] He was a member of the Executive Council (without portfolio) in 1912 in the Liberal Government.[4]

After leaving Parliament Buxton remained politically active and was for many years a local organiser for the Liberal Party, and later he was the national organiser for its successor the United Party.[1]

He later became an organiser of the Farmers' Union. Buxton moved to Christchurch in 1921, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died there on 28 May 1939.[1]