McLEOD, ALEXANDER DONALD (1872-1938) was the son of William McLeod and was born at Whakapunga, Wairarapa. Educated at home, he served his apprenticeship on his father's farm, and in 1895 started sheep farming for himself. In 1896 he was elected a member of the Featherston road board, and he was afterwards a member of the county council (1896-1920) and for 15 years chairman. He was a member of the hospital board from its inception till 1920, and of the Wellington harbour board (1919-21). He took a prominent part in the activities of the Farmers' Union and the New Zealand Sheepowners' Federation, and was a mover in the formation of the New Zealand Meat Board.

McLeod was elected in 1919 as M.H.R. for Wairarapa, which he represented till 1928. In 1924 he became Minister of Lands in the Massey Government, and he continued to hold that portfolio till 1928 (in the reconstruction under J. G. Coates). In 1931 he regained his seat in Parliament, but ill-health caused his retirement in 1935. His administration was marked by vigorous application of land settlement laws and a strong freehold policy. As Minister of Industries and Commerce in 1927 he set up a commission to inquire into the activities of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association. In the same year he represented New Zealand at the opening of the Federal capital at Canberra.

McLeod married (1897) Mary Isabella, daughter of Alexander McLeod. He died on 20 Oct 1938.

N.Z.P.D., 1919-35 and 30 Jun 1939; Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Evening Post and The Dominion, 21 Oct 1938 (p).

Reference: Volume 2, page 21

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