LUSK, HUGH HART (1837-1926) was the youngest son of R. B. Lusk (q.v.). He came to New Zealand in 1849, and was educated in Auckland, and practised as a barrister and solicitor there. He married (1864) Mary (1845-1905), daughter of Captain William Butler (q.v.). Lusk had advanced views on social matters, and as early as 1870 supported the principle of free education. In 1870 he was elected to the Provincial Council for Parnell, which he represented to 1873, being a member of the executive all the time. His political career received a setback from his suggestion that a poll-tax should be levied for education purposes. From 1875 until the abolition of the provinces he represented Wairoa and Mangapai. In 1876 he was elected M.H.R. for Franklin, resigning the seat two years later. In 1890 he went to Australia and the United States, residing abroad for many years. Lusk wrote a good deal all his life. In 1865 he contributed to the Fortnightly Review an article on Hauhauism, which he described as 'Maori Mohammedanism.' He also published Our Foes at Home (1899) and a thoughtful work on Social Welfare in New Zealand (1913). Lusk died on 8 Sep 1926.

N.Z.P.D., 24 Jun 1927; N.Z. Herald, 9 Sep 1926; Auckland P.C. Proc.; Otago Daily Times, 13 Apr 1907.

Reference: Volume 1, page 272

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