Thomas Templeton Murray

Thomas Templeton Murray (20 November 1891 – 28 July 1966) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.

Biography

Murray was born in Largs, Scotland, in 1891, and he received his education in his home country. He came to New Zealand in . During World War I he served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was awarded the Military Cross and Military Medal for his actions. After the conclusion of World War I he took up a soldier resettlement farm in Huiroa. His farm performed well and he was able to use profits to purchase a second farm in Toko in 1928.

He was involved in community affairs as a justice of the peace, Stratford Borough Councillor, chairman of the Taranaki Education Board and Licensing Authority as well as president of Federated Farmers. He supported the establishment of the National Party and founded the Stratford electoral division of the National Party, also being electorate chairman from 1936 to 1939.

In 1939 he rejoined the army and served in World War II. By the close of the war he had reached the rank of colonel.

He represented the Stratford electorate from 1954, and he retired in 1963. David Thomson succeeded him in Stratford.

Murray died on 28 July 1966, and he was buried at Kopuatama Cemetery, Stratford.