[2] After school, he was initially a teacher for two years, worked as a flaxmiller in Helensville, and then had stores in Rotorua and Paeroa; he remained in the latter place for the rest of his life.

[10][11] Whilst not a member of the Labour Party, he was regarded by his voters as a "miners' advocate" and his lobbying contributed to the establishment of the phthisis pension.

[2] One of their sons, Hugh Francis "Frank" Poland, was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I.

[13][14] Hugh Poland died on 3 January 1938 at Paeroa, survived by his wife, seven sons, and four daughters.

[1][3] His funeral service was held by James Liston, the Roman Catholic bishop of Auckland.