He was Mayor of Dunedin on two occasions and then appointed to the New Zealand Legislative Council for one seven-year term.

[1][2] Gourley came to Otago in the early 1860s, initially working in the gold fields before setting up in Dunedin as a saddler.

[3] He subsequently engaged in various businesses, including the trades of livery, the operation of coaches to Port Chalmers and as an undertaker.

William Earnshaw was the third successful candidate (he had represented the Peninsula electorate in the previous Parliament).

The previous representative, Henry Fish, came fourth, Hugh Gourley was fifth, with other unsuccessful candidates being James Gore, C. Haynes and D.