HUNTER, SIR GEORGE (1859-1930) was the son of George Hunter (1821-80, q.v.), and was born and educated in Wellington. He soon afterwards engaged in sheepfarming with his brother at Porangahau, where he lived most of his life. He was 35 years chairman of the Wallingford road board, 37 years chairman of the Porangahau road board, and 33 years a member of the Waipawa county council. He was president of the Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral association and of the New Zealand Council of Agriculture.

As a sportsman Hunter was president of the Waipukurau and Wellington Racing clubs. With his brother he bred many thoroughbreds and raced with some success. The mare Cynisca, owned by him and Sir George Clifford, won the Wellington Cup three times in succession. As a member of the racing conference, he introduced the gaming amendment bill on the first occasion. Hunter represented Waipawa in Parliament (1896-99), and again from 1911 till his death (which occurred on 20 Aug 1930). He married (1923) Mrs Edith Munro (née Ford).

Hunter donated £30,000 worth of land for the settlement of veterans from the war of 1914-18. He was knighted in 1921.

Parltry Record; N.Z.P.D., 20 Aug 1930; Evening Post and The Dominion, 20, 21 Aug 1930. Portrait: Ward; Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 227

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