McMINN, EDWARD GRAHAM, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in early manhood. He enlisted in the Forest Rangers for the Waikato war (1863), and served throughout under von Tempsky, rising to the rank of sergeant-major. Then he settled on a farm at Harapepe, Waikato. On the war breaking out on the West Coast, he again enrolled under von Tempsky in the Armed Constabulary and served against Titokowaru. He was present when his leader was killed. After the war McMinn took a useful part in public affairs, being a member of the Pirongia road board and of the Raglan county council. He represented Waipa in the Provincial Council (1875-76) and in July 1878 he defeated F. A. Whitaker for the Waipa seat in Parliament, but the tables were turned at the general election in the following year. It was mainly due to McMinn's efforts that Raglan was connected by road with Waikato. He died at Harapepe on 30 Mar 1883.

Waikato Times, Jun-Jul 1878; Nov-Dec 1879; 31 Mar, 3, 5 Apr 1883. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 23

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