Hugh Gourley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hugh Gourley MLC
Hugh Gourley in 1898
17th Mayor of Dunedin
In office 1888–1889
In office 1896–1897
Member of the New Zealand Legislative Council
In office 22 June 1899 – 21 June 1906
Personal details
Born	16 November 1825 Ballynahinch, County Down, Ireland
Died	16 December 1906 (aged 81) Dunedin, New Zealand
Spouse	Ellen Gourley (née Johnson) (m. 1850, d. 1874)
Children	four daughters and four sons
Profession	Undertaker, politician

Hugh Gourley (1825 – 16 December 1906) was an important politician in New Zealand. He was born in Ireland and later became the Mayor of Dunedin twice. He also served as a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council, which was like a part of the country's parliament.

Early Life and Moving to New Zealand

Hugh Gourley was born in 1825 in a place called Ballynahinch, in County Down, Ireland. In 1850, he married Ellen Johnson. They had a big family with four daughters and four sons.

When he was 27, Hugh moved to Victoria, Australia. There, he worked in the gold fields, looking for gold. After that, he used his skills as a saddler, making and repairing saddles for horses.

In the early 1860s, Hugh Gourley moved again, this time to Otago, New Zealand. He first worked in the gold fields there too. Later, he settled in Dunedin and started his own saddlery business.

Business Ventures and Community Work

Hugh Gourley was a busy person with many different businesses. Besides being a saddler, he also ran a livery business, which involved renting out horses and carriages. He even operated coaches that traveled to Port Chalmers. Later, he became an undertaker, helping families with funeral arrangements.

His undertaking business eventually became part of Gillions Funeral Services, which is still helping people today.

A Career in Politics

Hugh Gourley started his political journey in 1881. He was elected to the St Kilda Borough Council. He served as the mayor of that borough for 13 years, which is a very long time!

In 1885, he joined the Dunedin City Council. He became the Mayor of Dunedin for the first time in 1888, serving for one year. He was elected mayor again in 1896 for another year.

Hugh Gourley was also involved in many other important roles. He was the chairman of the Harbour Board for a while. He also helped manage the Domain Board and was a member of various groups that helped people in need.

Serving in the Legislative Council

On 22 June 1899, Hugh Gourley was chosen to be a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council. This council was a part of New Zealand's government, similar to an upper house of parliament. He served for a seven-year term, finishing his time on 21 June 1906.

Other Interests and His Passing

Hugh Gourley loved horse racing and trotting (a type of horse racing). He held many official positions in these sports, including being Dunedin's representative to the New Zealand Trotting Association.

Hugh's wife, Ellen Gourley, passed away on 7 August 1874. She was 46 years old. Hugh Gourley himself died on 16 December 1906 in Dunedin, at the age of 81. Both Hugh and Ellen were buried together at the Dunedin Southern Cemetery. Sadly, one of their sons had died earlier while serving in the Second Boer War.