The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Holt, Hon. Thomas
Holt, Hon. Thomas, M.L.C., the son of a Leeds wool merchant, was born at Horbury, Yorkshire, in 1811. He acquired great experience as a wool-buyer both at home and abroad, and in 1882 became a partner in his father's business. In 1842 he emigrated to Australia, and was engaged in wool-buying till 1855. He also embarked largely in pastoral pursuits, his private residence and principal estate being known as "The Warren," Cook's River, near Sydney. In 1856, when responsible government was inaugurated, he was returned to the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales for the Stanley Boroughs (now Brisbane and Ipswich, Qd.), and was Colonial Treasurer in the Donaldson Government from June to August 1856. Subsequently he represented Newtown, and remained a member of the Assembly till 1866, when he paid a visit to Europe; and on his return in 1868 was nominated to the Legislative Council In 1873 he became a member of the Council of Education; and in 1888 was Executive Commissioner for New South Wales, in conjunction with Sir Saul Samuel, to the Amsterdam Exhibition. Subsequently Mr. Holt resided near London, and supplied the means for various charitable enterprises under the auspices of the Salvation Army. He died at Halcot, Bexley, Kent, on Sept. 5th, 1888.