Hugh Gourley

Hugh Gourley (1825 – 16 December 1906) was a New Zealand politician born in Ireland. He was Mayor of Dunedin on two occasions and then appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council for one seven-year term.

Early life Gourley was born in Ballynahinch, County Down, Ireland in 1825. He married Ellen (née Johnson), a daughter of J. Johnston of County Down in 1850. They had four daughters and four sons. He emigrated to Victoria, Australia, aged 27, where he worked in the gold fields and then in his trade as a saddler. He subsequently engaged in various businesses, including the trades of livery, the operation of coaches to Port Chalmers and as an undertaker.

Gourley was appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council on 22 June 1899. He ceased to be a member on 21 June 1906 at the end of his seven-year term.

Other interests and death He was active in racing and trotting circles and held many official positions, including that of the Dunedin delegate to the New Zealand Trotting Association.

Ellen Gourley died on 7 August 1874, aged 46. She was buried at Dunedin Southern Cemetery three days later. Gourley died on 16 December 1906 in Dunedin. He was buried at Dunedin Southern Cemetery two days later in the same plot as his wife. One of his sons had died in the Second Boer War.