Obituaries Australia

Hugh Mackenzie, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 15 December 1917

By the death of Mr. Hugh Mackenzie, of Terrara Estate Shoalhaven, N.S.W., which occurred last month at the age of 72, there has passed away a well known and highly esteemed pastoralist. He was a son of Dr. Kenneth Mackenzie, of Dundonnel, Rossshire, N.B., who having come to Australia, practised his profession in Shoalhaven in the early days, and was one or the first magistrates of that district. Dr. Mackenzie was a man of extensive professional experience, having practised in London, Dublin, Paris, and Rome, and as a linguist was able to speak fluently in French, Italian, and Gaelic.

Inheriting many of the fine qualities of his father, Mr. Mackenzie soon made his influence and high character felt in the district. At the death of his father he succeeded to Bundanon Estate, twelve miles from Nowra, and dwelt there for many years. Upon the death of his elder brother, Murdo, he inherited the Dundonnel Estate, in Scotland, and made a trip to that country in connection with the administration of the property there. In 1886 he purchased for £40,000 the Terrara Estate of 1000 acres which had been owned for many years by the De Mestre family.

Mr. Mackenzie took a very active part in public affairs, and as mayor of South Shoalhaven, a position he held for successive terms, he never lost an opportunity of furthering and protecting the interests of the town. He undertook the work in an honorary capacity, and consistently refused to accept any mayoral remuneration. For many years he was president of the Shoalhaven Agricultural Society, and contributed largely towards the cost of improvements in the show grounds and towards other expenses that had for their object the success of the shows. As a judge of horses he was considered to be particularly good, and he judged in that capacity at many of the neighbouring shows.

A man of fine physique, standing 6 ft. 6 in. in height, he had a commanding personality, combined with a charming and sympathetic manner which won the respect and admiration of all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. Mackenzie leaves a widow and a large family of sons and daughters. His son Kenneth occupies the Bundanon Estate, two other sons, Hugh and Murdo, own conjointly Tooloombah, Croydon, Lotus Creek, Barwon Park, and Cluen Stations, in Queensland. A younger son, Norman, died on active service.