Hunter White
Henry Hunter White | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Woodlands, near Denman, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | March 11, 1947 (aged 79) |
| Occupation(s) | Pastoralist, racehorse breeder and owner, philanthropist |
| Known for | Philanthropic support of soldier resettlement; contributions to Church of England in NSW; ownership and breeding of racehorses including Rogilla |
Henry Hunter White (4 October 1867 – 11 March 1947) was a distinguished Australian pastoralist, racehorse breeder, and owner. Renowned for his philanthropy, he generously supported post-war soldier resettlement through significant land donations and made notable contributions to the Church of England in New South Wales. Originating from a well-established rural family with roots in Sydney dating back to 1826, White’s relatives managed the Havilah estate, known for its Merino sheep and North Devon cattle.
Birth and early life
White entered the world at Woodlands, near Denman in New South Wales, as the son of Henry Charles White and Isabella Mary Ann (née Lowe). Woodlands, a historic stud farm and homestead, was acquired by his grandfather James White around 1860 and subsequently inherited by his father in 1868. His education was conducted privately both on the family estate and at Fiona in Edgecliff, Sydney, where his father maintained a city residence. Following his mother’s passing in 1875 and his father’s remarriage two years later, the family moved from Woodlands to Havilah in 1879. Children from the first marriage were sent overseas for schooling; notably, the daughters received education in France.
In 1883, Hunter White commenced studies at Newington College during the leadership of Rev Joseph Horner Fletcher and headmaster Joseph Coates. Although his enrolment card mentioned previous attendance at Hutchins School in Hobart, no official records confirm this. He completed matriculation in 1886 and continued to the University of Sydney as a resident at St Paul's College until 1889. Upon his passing, St Paul’s magazine recognized White’s heritage as belonging to “one of the wealthiest and most influential pastoral families in the state.”
Marriage and children
White married Leila Ethel Arguimbau on 19 May 1897; she was the daughter of Narcissus George Arguimbau, a recipient of the Legion of Honour. The two families were linked through their shared connections as Old Newingtonians. The wedding ceremony was held at St Aidan's Church of England in Annandale, followed by a reception at Cliveden, the Arguimbau family residence. Their union produced three children: Constance White (1898–1978), Peter White (1901–1970), and Henry Charles Hunter White (1905–1988).
Philanthropic gifts
In the aftermath of World War I, White contributed 3,470 acres of improved freehold land specifically to aid returned servicemen in establishing new homes. He constructed Havilah Memorial Church in 1905 as a tribute to his father; this building was designed by architect Harold Hardwick and donated to the Church of England in 1908. In 1921, he offered Bleak House—a mansion dating from the 1860s located in Mudgee—rent-free for three years to serve as St John's Church of England girls’ hostel for students attending Mudgee High School. Eventually, ownership of Bleak House was transferred to the church. Although financial difficulties led to the hostel's closure in 1935, proceeds generated from subdividing and selling Bleak House were given to the Anglican Diocese of Sydney with White’s consent.
Horse racing
White maintained membership with the Australian Jockey Club from 1900 until his death and served on its committee between 1910 and 1940. Additionally, he played an executive role within the Western Districts Racing Association. As both breeder and owner, he gained recognition for Rogilla, a chestnut Australian Thoroughbred gelding who secured 26 victories over six racing seasons. Other horses under his ownership included Haxton, Open Air, and Vigaro. He also imported notable sires such as Roger de Busli, Tippler, Buoyant Bachelor, and Fresco.
Later life and death
In 1919, White acquired St. Brigid's, located at 548 New South Head Road, Double Bay, to serve as his home in Sydney. This residence, constructed in 1897 and designed by the English architect Frederick Moore Simpson, later gained prominence within the local community. At the time of his passing, White's estate was valued at £354,968. The property was purchased by Woollahra Council in 1951 and functioned as the Woollahra Municipal Library from 1957 until 2016. In 2021, it was transformed into the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, while the White family continues to hold ownership of Havilah.