Walter Robertson Hunter was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1861. He was educated at Hitchen's College, Hobart, and on finishing his education entered his father's office to study architecture.
In 1888, Walter moved to Brisbane with his father, with whom he entered into partnership. On the death of his father in 1894, he relinquished his profession, and in conjunction with E. W. and F. Rowbotham and Gerald Woolrych acquired 'Bohenia Plains' in the Dawson district.
Ten years later Walter Hunter disposed of his interests in Bohemia Plains, and moved to the Dalby district, where he purchased interests in 'Dunmore Park', and commenced grazing, and wheat growing on an extensive scale.
About 18 months later, Walter Hunter sold his share of Dunmore Park and took up residence in Dalby, where he purchased an interest in the stock and station agency of Wilkinson and Co., subsequently acquiring from Mr. Wilkinson the whole business, which he then conducted under his own name.
The firm became W. R. Hunter and Co. in 1923 when he admitted his son-in-law (Mr. J. D. Moore) into partnership, and during the 1920s the business prospered.
Walter Hunter had a keen interest in the welfare of the town and was involved in many public bodies. In 1908, he became an Alderman on the Dalby Town Council, and in 1912 he was elected as Mayor.
In the early 1920s Walter Hunter was elected President of the Local Authorities' Association and was on the Dalby Hospital Committee for 17 years. During WWI, he made himself available as a speaker and helper at any public function.
In sporting circles, Walter Hunter was one of the foundation members of the Dalby Amateur Picnic Race Club, an early member of the Northern Downs Jockey Club, and was also keenly interested in the Dalby Polo Club, and other forms of sports, especially cricket.
For many years he was a member of the School of Arts Committee, and for a long period was secretary to the Dalby Pastoral and Agricultural Association.
Walter Hunter died in 1925 at the age of 63 years.
