22 May 1895   George Hawker

The South Australian Register of 22 May 1895 reported that George Hawker had died at his home, 'The Briars' in Medindie, the day before and described him as a man of 'strong yet amiable character and unimpeachable integrity'.   He was given a state funeral on 23 May.

In 1841 George and his brothers, Charles and James, took up land near what is now Clare on the Hutt River which they called 'Bungaree'. They moved their sheep from Nuriootpa, their first run, and set about building a house. In 1843 James sold his share to the others and moved to Moorundie on the River Murray. Later George and Charles divided the property, with Charles having the portion known as 'Anama' and George retaining 'Bungaree'.

On Charles' death George bought back 'Anama'. When the government decided to place pastoral land up for auction the Hawkers were able to raise the finance to purchase their lease-holdings. 'Bungaree' sheep became renowned for their high class wool. 

In 1858 George Hawker, who was an MA from Cambridge, entered Parliament and was made Speaker in 1860. He went overseas for a time in 1865, but on his return re-entered politics in 1874, and remained in the parliament until his death in 1895. He left a family of nine sons and six daughters.

The town of Hawker is named after him and his home at Medindie became McBride's Hospital.

Rodney Cockburn, Pastoral Pioneers of South Australia,  Volume I, Adelaide, 1927, pp. 14-15.