Thomas Coombe

Sir Thomas Melrose Coombe (3 December 1873 – 22 July 1959) was an Australian cricketer, businessman and philanthropist, best known for his role in the film industry of Western Australia.

Coombe was born at Melrose, South Australia, to Thomas Coombe and his wife Sarah (née Beddome). His father, of Cornish descent, was a timber and iron merchant who served as mayor of Broken Hill in 1890, having previously lived in Port Pirie. He moved to Western Australia in 1895, following the gold rushes, where he set up as a supplier of building materials, and subsequently served as mayor of the South Perth Municipality from 1906 to 1907. His son was educated at Caterer's School, Norwood; Hahndorf College, Hahndorf; and Prince Alfred College, Adelaide. He moved with his family to Perth, where he established himself as an importer of sporting goods. Coombe played cricket for the Claremont-Cottesloe Cricket Club, and also represented the Western Australia against a number of touring sides from the eastern states. His only first-class match was against South Australia at the WACA Ground in January 1906. Batting at number five in both innings, he was caught and bowled for a duck in the first innings by Algy Gehrs, and made 15 in the second innings before being caught off the bowling of Pat Travers. Coombe later served as umpire in a single first-class match when South Australia toured at the end of the 1908–09 season.