Richard Thompson (Australian parliamentarian)

Richard (Henry) Thompson (20 July 1906 - 21 March 1964) was a New Zealand-born Australian parliamentarian, businessman and Methodist Lay preacher.^[1]

Early life

Thompson was born in Paeroa, New Zealand, the son of Leslie Foster Thompson and Caroline Walker, and arrived in Australia aged two. He was educated in state schools before attending Newington College. In 1934 he married Constance Olive Mayhew and they had a daughter and a son.

Business career

After school, Thompson worked with Sun Newspapers Limited. He became a director of National Roads and Motorists Association Insurance Limited and Open Road Publishing Company Pty Limited.

Community involvement

• President - Australian Debating Federation (1949–1964)
• Councillor - City of Sydney Eisteddfod (1946–1957)
• Chairman - City of Sydney Eisteddfod (1946 & 1957)
• Councillor - New South Wales Constitutional League
• Executive member - National Roads and Motorists Association (1947–1964)
• Senior vice president - National Roads and Motorists Association (1959–1964)
• President National Roads and Motorists Association (1956)
• College councillor - Newington College (1948–1964)
• President - Old Newingtonians' Union (1952–1954) ^[2]

Parliamentary career

He was a member of the NSW Legislative Council from 1 November 1939 until his death, representing the United Australia Party and the Liberal Party of Australia. He was a member of Standing Orders Committee for fifteen years and a member of a number of Select Committees.

Death

Thompson died at Balgowlah, New South Wales and his funeral was held in the Balgowlah Methodist church and Northern Suburbs Crematorium.

References