THOMAS, Joseph William. Born 29 September 1879, Wainui, (Southern Shore of Akaroa) New Zealand. Son of John Woodill Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Bates. Had a stepfather John Hewett. Occupation Farmer, Soldier. Was six feet tall. Interests Boats and the Sea. Died 1955. Buried at Weymouth, New Zealand. Married Helena Caroline Keegan 27 September 1903 at Dannievirke, New Zealand. Children: Jack Heaton Thomas. Photographs, certificates and papers on file. Joseph grew up in Akaroa, always mischievious as a child, adventurous as a teenager but never got into trouble with the law. He fought in the Boer War gaining the position of 2nd Leitenant. He was too young and altered his age to go to war. He began courting Helena on his return to Akaroa and they later married moving to Hawkes Bay district. In 1915 Joe enlisted for World War I. Again he was not elligable by age. This time he was too old. The people in his town gave he and his half brother Gordon a farewell party and they each received Binoculars. They fought in the trenches together and there are many stories about Joe and Gordon. When Joe's wife died he was not able to cope. His son Jack took over the farm and Joe moved to Weymouth, South Auckland becoming a recluse either in his boat or his one room batch. Seeking further information or contact with relatives. Louise Dixon MandLDixon@bigpond.com