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Albert Allan Thomas was the mayor of Waihi, New Zealand from 1965 until 1971.

A man who devoted a lifetime of community service to his immediate and surrounding districts.

Albert Thomas grew up in the small north island town of Waihi, New Zealand and built a sucessful business in the town, which employed a significant number of the citizens. Albert Thomas then became active in the chamber of commerce, councils and committees of the region and in 1965 was elected mayor of Waihi,

Personal Life
Albert Thomas was born and grew up in Waihi, New Zealand. Educated at Waihi Primary and District Schools he later became interested in church administration and was a leader of the local Boys Brigade. At the outbreak of World War II, he volunteered and served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Albert built a home at 49 Haszard street, Waihi, where he lived with his wife Avis and four daughters.

Business Life
On his discharge, he returned to Waihi to set up the Waihi Timber and Joinery Company. This business was to become a significant employer in the Waihi Borough.

In the early 1950's Waihi experienced a profound disruption to its economic base with the closure of the Martha Gold Mine. Economic and social patterns, especially employment, were greatly affected and became a continuing concern for people of the area.

It was in this social and economic milieux that Mr Thomas contibuted greatly to his community. His social concern and business enterprise derived from a belief in and concern for the town and people of Waihi and surrounding districts.

By the mid to late 1950's he was already active in the Chamber of Commerce, school committees, Board of Governors, Waihi Borough Council, the 2C District Roads Council, many service organisations and a number of business associations.

His energy in these areas was characterised by an optimism about the future of the Waihi town and community. Mr Thomas was active in the establishment of the Waihi College and its early management. This work was recognised by the then Minister of Education Mr A E Kinsella, who was instrumental in Mr Thomas's appointment as the Governor General's representative on the Waihi College Board of Governors.

As a Borough Councillor, Albert Thomas was concerned with the need to encourage industry, provide employment and support groups, who's activities built pride and enterprise in the town.

Mayor of Waihi
In 1965 he was elected mayor, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 1971.

During his term as mayor Albert Thomas was an eloquent advocate of decentralisation and provided a climate which encouraged employment and industry, while at the same time working for the upgrading of town facilities and social amenities in the borough.

Retirement
Following his retirement, Albert Thomas served Waihi and parts of the Ohinemuri County as an elected member on the Thames Valley Electric Power Board. At his death in July 1991 he was a member of the Thames Valley Electric Power Trust.

In recognition of his service to the town and community a street in the town of Waihi has been re-named Thomas Place.