Son of E L Humphries (1816-1869), born in London and came to New Zealand in 1851 on `Sir Edward Paget'. In 1857 he joined the Taranaki Survey Department and subsequently rose to the position of Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki, Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Canterbury, and in 1906 became Surveyor-general. Serving with Atkinson's Forest Rangers he took part in the New Zealand war in the 1860s. Humphries was interested in astronomy in relation to surveying and wrote a text book on the subject. He officially observed the Transit of Venus in 1882 and photographed the eclipse of the sun in 1885. He was a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and of the Institute of Surveyors, and a member of the Government Life Insurance and Public Trust boards of investment, and of the miners' and surveyors' boards of examiner. Retiring in 1909 he died in 1928. In 1864 he married Martha Ann, daughter of Rev Robert Ward (see Dictionary of New Zealand Biography Vol 1 / Scholefield); see also C A Lawn. The Pioneer land surveyors of NZ (qMS-1138)
Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928
Correspondence
Date: 8-12 Oct 1881
From: Rolleston, William, 1831-1903 : Papers
Reference: 77-248-05/1
Description: Identified correspondents entered under Name field below; also includes typescript of report of meeting between W Rolleston, Native Minister and Te Whiti, 8 Oct 1881. Most are telegrams with some in code. Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Borieson, C. W., fl. 1889 :Blocks 1, 3, & 6 Levin, 9, Horowhenua Block [map with ms ann...
Date: 1888 - 1890
By: Borieson, C W, active 1889; Ashcroft, Albert Edward, 1862-1942; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; Halse, Frederick James, 1863-1936; Smith, Stephenson Percy, 1840-1922; General Survey Lithographic Office; Roe, J E, active 1910-1912
Reference: MapColl-832.43gbbd/1888/Acc.35292
Description: A cadastral map of rural and suburban sections open for sale and selection of the area from Lake Horowhenua to Koputuroa Road, and bounded by the Kawiu and Makomako Roads. This cadastral map has numbered sections, some coloured, and include acreages and owners' names handwritten in some sections. The Wellington - Manawatu Railway is marked as are a school and a waterworks reserve. Streets and the Koputuroa Stream are named. The base maps are of sections in the Blocks I, II & VI, Waiopehu Survey District. Sections marked with red are large settlements open for sale or selection and are referred to in a key. Schedule of the suburban sections and rural lands in this district include the section number, acreage, value and rent. Terms and conditions of sale or selection of the Levin village settlement include the statement 'Drawn by F.J. Hales'. Includes a written description of rural land and the application date of 18 March 1889 at the Crown Lands Office, Wellington and includes J.W.A. Marchant's name. The inset map is a locality plan of Levin. Handwritten names listed are: Seager, Hewit, J. McGowan, G.H. Gower, Ingram, Borieson, Brown, Blair, R Prouse, Dalrymple, Toxward, Lancaster, Stuckey. Title part stamped and part handwritten on verso Signature centre top: C.W. Borieson, Contractor, Wellington Inset: Levin locality plan. Scale [1:506 880] Base map: Plan of rural and suburban sections Horowhenua Block, situated in Blocks I, II & VI, Waiopehu Survey District / Surveyed by A.E. Ashcroft & T.L. Humphries, assistant surveyors. Wellington, N.Z., General Survey Office, 1889. Handwritten note on bottom right: Next unit to be paid 1 Jany 1890. Note it will be needful to write Govt. to inquire the amount as the leases make it ... See units number of acres required for felling to comply with ... of residence [handwriting difficult to decipher] Quantity: 2 map(s) on one sheet, including a locality plan. Physical Description: Ink and colourwash on paper, linen backed, coloured, scales vary, 42 x 56.6 cm. Provenance: Donated by Mr. J. Roe, 30.03.1977
Easdale, Nola, fl 1984-1998 : Survey plans
Date: 1864, 1889
By: Easdale, Nola, active 1984-1998
Reference: MSI-Papers-6238
Description: Comprises copies of four plans (1) Orakau Pa, showing disposition of troops under Brigadier-General Carey, 1 Apr 1864; (2) Plan of ground surrounding Orakau Pa, under Brigadier-General Carey, 2 Apr 1864; (3) The Waitomo Caves, lower series, T Humphries, Chief Surveyor, Auckland, Jun 1889; and (4) The Waitomo Caves, locality plan and index to sheets a and 2 (late 1889) Source of title - Supplied Relationship complexity - See also previous accession, 90-143, for full records re `Kairuri' Quantity: 1 folder(s) (4 pieces). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss (photocopies) Holograph maps
Official papers - Miscellaneous
Date: 1884-1887
From: Atkinson, Harry Albert (Sir), 1831-1892 : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-0091-056A
Description: Includes confidential memo to Cabinet from Sir Robert Stout re federation and annexation in the Pacific, 1884; letter from Thomas Humphries re crown land, ca 1887 Quantity: 1 folder(s).
[Creator unknown] :[Hutt electoral district boundaries] [map with ms annotations]. 1908.
Date: 1908
By: Marchant, John William Allman, 1841-1920; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; New Zealand. General Assembly Library
Reference: MapColl-832.47fbe/1908/Acc.30701
Description: A base map entitled Provisional map of the Hutt County has annotations depicting the authorised boundaries of the Hutt Electoral District, as authorised by the Representation Commission in 1909 which is referred to in a hand-written note. Areas included within the boundary are Pencarrow, Belmont, Rimutaka, Akatarawa and Eretonga [i.e. Heretaunga]. The area is named Hutt and includes the population total of 12753. Adjacent areas are named as Wellington suburbs, Otaki and Wairarapa, but no boundaries of these areas are included. Base map: Provisional map of the Hutt County. (Wellington, New Zealand Lands and Survey Department, [s.d.].) Base map shows numbered land blocks with acreages, timber and water reserves, forest reserves, a pastoral licence block, the Wellington and Railway Company blocks, named rivers and peaks, topographical detail. Base map includes the logo of the New Zealand Lands and Survey and the name of J. W. Marchant One signature is indeciferable and dated 16 Jany. 1909, which follows a handwritten note referring to the Representation Commission, the Electoral Act and Representation Act Initials on bottom right: E.W., 15.2.08 Title assigned by cataloguer Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Colourwash on paper, linen backed, coloured, scale indeterminable, 107.5 x 61.8 cm.
Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928 :New Plymouth [copy of ms map]. Thos. Humphries, [18]79.
Date: 1879
By: Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928
Reference: MapColl-832.295bje/1879/Acc.37050
Description: Copy of a cadastral map on two sheets of New Plymouth city. Mount Eliot and Kawau Pa are marked as Harbour Board property. Streets are named. Mount Byron is marked as a military reserve. Hospital, church and gaol reserves are marked as are cemeteries and the botanic gardens. Relevants Acts are quoted for the Botanic Gardens, Marsland Hill and one of the cemeteries. 'New Plymouth December, 1957' and '15:2:62' and '25:7:60' are printed on bottom right corner. Maps are labelled F1 and F2 Quantity: 1 map(s) on two sheets. Physical Description: Photocopy, scale indeterminable, 71 x 153.7 cm., sheets 71 x 102 cm. Provenance: Handwritten note on bottom left states: "Note. The green and purple represents how the ownership would provide all exchanges made under 'New Plymouth Exchange Ordinance' when completed".
Official papers - Miscellaneous
Date: Sep 1887
From: Atkinson, Harry Albert (Sir), 1831-1892 : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-0091-052
Description: Telegrams from Thomas Humphries and James Livingston (incorrectly signed as James Davidson); letter from Calway re Natives Reserves, 1887 Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Ward family papers
Date: [1855-1944]
From: Ward, Robert, 1840-1901 : Documents re his appointment as judge of the Native Land Court and family papers
Reference: MS-Papers-9954
Description: Also includes part of Anson/Leather and John Ward family trees; statement by Daniel Wakefield (1855), photographs, clippings re R Percy and Robert Ward, Thomas Humphries, C E Ward, Primitive Methodism, cards to Mrs P Ward with photographs of Fitzroy Church, dedication service of Ward Memorial Methodist Church, copy of `Primitive Methodism in NZ, 1844-1944', words for memorial tablet to Robert and Emily Ward (1930), letter, Grandpa to Percy (1873), stud note re puppy (1896), warrant for Robert Ward to be clerk at Wanganui RM court; invitations to Duke and Duchess of York's visit (1927); indexes to seats for luncheons for Duke and Duchess of York's and Admiral Coonitz's visits (1927, 1925); Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Ward, Robert, 1840-1901 : Documents re his appointment as judge of the Native Land Cour...
Date: [1855-1944]
By: Ward, Robert, 1840-1901
Reference: 76-040
Description: Comprises certificate of appointment of Robert Ward as judge of the Native Land Court (1896); notes re Ward and Wakefield families; clippings re deaths of Ward (1901), Horace Aubrey Wakefield (b 1852), R P Ward (1936), and appointment of Robert Percy Ward to under-secretary of the Justice Dept Also includes part of Anson/Leather family tree, statement by Daniel Wakefield (1855), photographs, clippings re R Percy and Robert Ward, Thomas Humphries, C E Ward, Primitive Methodism, cards to Mrs P Ward with photographs of Fitzroy Church, dedication service of Ward Memorial Methodist Church, copy of `Primitive Methodism in NZ, 1844-1944', words for memorial tablet to Robert and Emily Ward (1930), letter, Grandpa to Percy (1873), stud note re puppy (1896), warrant for Robert Ward to be clerk at Wanganui RM court Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 2 folder(s). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss, typescripts and printed matter
Thomas Humphries
Date: ca 1890s
By: Hanna, John Robert, 1850-1915
Reference: 1/2-005117-F
Description: Head and shoulders portrait of Thomas Humphries taken by Hanna. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Film copy negative
Inward correspondence - Has to Hya
Date: 1872-1901
From: McLean family : Papers
Reference: MS-Papers-0032-0844
Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s). Finding Aids: Piece-level inventory available.
Nicholls, K (Mrs), fl 1960 :Group photograph of the Lands and Survey Department
Date: 1922
By: Nicholls, K (Mrs), active 1960
Reference: PAColl-D-0053
Description: Group portrait of the staff of the Lands and Survey Department and VIPs on the occasion of the retirement of Thomas Noel Brodrick, Under Secretary, Lands and Survey, 1922. The group is assembled on the steps of the General Assembly Library, Parliament Buildings, Wellington. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Inscriptions: Backing board recto - above image - Retirement of Mr T N Brodrick O.B.E. I.S.O., Under-Secretary, Lands and Survey Department; Backing board recto - beneath image - Names of those in the front row.; Backing board recto - bottom left - Presented by The Hon D H Guthrie, Minister of Lands. [Added in pencil - August 1922] Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Albumen print, 36 x 49 cm
Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928 :Sketch map of the Province of Taranaki [ms map]. Octo. Ca...
Date: 1868
By: Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; Carrington, Augustus Octavius Croker, 1816-1901; New Zealand. Parliamentary Library
Reference: MapColl-832.2gbbd/1869/Acc.22903
Description: Hand-drawn map of the Taranaki Region showing acquired lands previous to 1860, military settlements, native awards and confiscated lands, all of which are shown on a reference key. The relevant areas have been colour washed and rivers, settlements and districts are named. Includes boundaries of the Ngati Awa and Ngati Ruanui - North and South, as well as the boundaries of the adjoining areas of the Wellington and Auckland provinces. This map covers the area from Patea to the Mokau River. Signature of Tho. Humphries, District Surveyor, N.P., 1869, top centre of map under title. Signature of Octa. Carrington, S., bottom right corner. Stamp of General Assembly Library bottom right corner with reference 931/106. 836 handwritten in pencil on bottom right corner and 836 Taranaki 1869 handwritten on reverse of map, bottom right corner. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Ink and wash on paper, linen backed, coloured, 59 x 76.2 cm.
New Zealand. Department of Lands and Survey : Plan of Tongariro National Park [map]. 1908
Date: 1908
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: New Zealand Geographic Board; New Zealand. Department of Lands and Survey; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; Mackay, John, 1851-1937
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-4/21/284/Acc.54970
Description: Plan of Tongariro National Park. Published New Zealand Lands and Survey, under authority of Thomas Humphries, Surveyor-General. Printed by John Mackay, Government Printer. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Printed map on paper, scale: 1.5 miles to 1 inch, 63 x 49 cm
New Zealand. Department of Lands and Survey : North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui) New Zealand ...
Date: 1911
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: New Zealand Geographic Board; New Zealand. Department of Lands and Survey; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; Mackay, John, 1851-1937
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-5/27/350/Acc.55036
Description: Map of the North Island of New Zealand showing the state of the public surveys in 1911. Published by the Department of Lands and Survey, under T Humphries, Surveyor General. John Mackay, Government Printer. Inset map - Cook Islands. Inset maps - Kermadec Islands: Raoul or Sunday Island, Macauley Island, Curtis Island, l'Esperance Rock. Map features extensive annotations with place names inscribed in ink, pencil and colour pencil, giving names in English, French, and Maori. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Printed map on linen-backed paper, scale 15 English miles to 1 inch, 92 x 69 cm
New Zealand. Department of Lands and Survey : South Island (Te Wai-Pounamu) New Zealand...
Date: 1911
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: New Zealand. Department of Lands and Survey; New Zealand Geographic Board; Mackay, John, 1851-1937; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-5/27/351/Acc.55037
Description: Map of the South Island of New Zealand showing the state of public surveys in 1911. Published by the Department of Lands and Survey, under T Humphries, Surveyor General. John Mackay, Government Printer. Inset map - Chatham Islands. Inset maps - Campbell Islands, Auckland Islands, Antipodes Islands, Bounty Islands. Manuscript annotations in ink, pencil and colour pencil of place names in English, French, and Maori. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Printed map on linen-backed paper, scale 15 English miles to 1 inch, 87 x 70 cm
New Zealand. General Survey Office : Plan of minor triangles for connecting surveys on ...
Date: 1886 - 1889
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: Cussen, Laurence Carroll, 1844-1903; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; New Zealand. General Survey Office; Smith, Stephenson Percy, 1840-1922; Star Lithographic Works
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-1/4/49/Acc.54735
Description: Published by New Zealand Survey, under S Percy Smith, Surveyor General. L Cussen District Surveyor, December 1886. Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor. Star Litho Works. Survey Office, Auckland, May 1889. Manuscript annotations in ink and pencil, include corrections and additions. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Lithographed map on paper, 48.5 x 44 cm
New Zealand. General Survey Office : Plan of minor triangles for connecting surveys on ...
Date: 1886 - 1889
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: New Zealand. General Survey Office; Smith, Stephenson Percy, 1840-1922; Cussen, Laurence Carroll, 1844-1903; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; Star Lithographic Works
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-1/4/51/Acc.54737
Description: Published by New Zealand Survey, under S Percy Smith, Surveyor General. L Cussen District Surveyor, Dec 1886. Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor, May 1889. Star Litho. Survey Office, Auckland. Manuscript annotation in ink states "See Litho". Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Lithographed map on linen-backed paper, 48 x 44 cm
New Zealand General Survey Office : Taranaki New Zealand [facsimile]. 1879
Date: 1879
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: New Zealand. General Survey Office; Thomson, John Turnbull, 1821-1884; Kemp, J M, 1884-1908; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-5/31/391/Acc.55077
Description: Map of Taranaki Region, showing Constabulary Stations, Natuve Settlements, Roads, Horse Tracks, Native foot Tracks. Published by New Zealand General Survey Office, under J T Thomson, Surveyor General. Drawn by J M Kemp, Draughtsman. Photo-Lithographed at the General Survey Office Wellington by A McColl, June 1879. Survey Office New Plymouth, under direction of Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor, April 1879. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Facsimile copy on paper, scale 5 miles to 1 inch, 55 x 52 cm
New Zealand. General Survey Office : Map of part of triangulation of the King Country [...
Date: 1887 - 1889
From: New Zealand Geographic Board: Selection of maps of New Zealand
By: Cussen, Laurence Carroll, 1844-1903; Humphries, Thomas, 1841-1928; New Zealand. General Survey Office; Smith, Stephenson Percy, 1840-1922; Star Lithographic Works
Reference: MapColl-NZGB-1/4/48/Acc.54734
Description: Published by New Zealand Survey, under S Percy Smith, Surveyor General. L Cussen District Surveyor, 1887. Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor. Star Litho Works. Survey Office, Auckland, April 1889. Manuscript annotations in ink and pencil, include corrections and additions. Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Lithographed map on linen-backed paper, 47.5 x 44 cm