MACDONALD, WILLIAM DONALD STUART (1862-1920) was born at Mount Merringoort, Victoria, the son of a cattle raiser. Arriving in New Zealand in 1882, he settled on the East Coast of the North Island. He was for five years (1882-87) overseer of the Ngatapa station, and later manager of other large runs. He became a member of the Farmers' Union, and president of the Poverty Bay Farmers' Club, a member of the Gisborne Harbour Board, of the Cook Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and of the Waiapu County Council. When the district was divided he became chairman of the Waikohu County Council. In 1908 he was elected M.P. for Bay of Plenty and in 1909 he became junior whip for the Ward Government. In 1912 he was a member of the Mackenzie administration (as Minister of Public Works and of Native Affairs) and in the National ministry of 1915 he had control of agriculture and of mines. He was also president of the Board of Trade and a member of the Lands Commission. On the defeat of Ward in 1919, Macdonald became leader of the Liberal party. He died suddenly on 31 Aug 1920.

N.Z.P.D., 1 Sep 1920; N.Z. Herald, 1 Sep 1920. Portrait: Parliament House.

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