[6] He declared himself "tired of political life with its anxieties, cares, and responsibilities – with my severance from my home and my family".

Financial worries may also have played a part – King was not by any means wealthy, and was consequently a notable champion of remuneration and expenses for MPs.

[6] The by-election resulted from the resignation of Charles Brown, whose militia service required his full attention.

On nomination day, the contestants addressed the electors and at the end of the meeting, the Returning Officer requested a show of hands, which was declared to be in favour of Thomas King.

Thus, his namesake was elected,[9] but didn't attend Parliament, since he was killed in the First Taranaki War in February 1861 before the first session had started.

One of his sons, Truby King, was at the time of his death the Medical Superintendent of the Seacliff Lunatic Asylum.