Alexander James Hunter served in three military fields: firstly in the Boer War, secondly in New Guinea in the First World War, and again in New Guinea during the Second World War.

He married Minnie Kiefer (1896-1973).

His early service in the administration of the New Guinea mandated territory is not clear, indeed disgarding newspaper references below, his work as Patrol Officer, Assistant District Officer and District Officer is only clearly documented in this collection.

Photographs suggest Hunter may have had some association or interaction with F Hurley (AA 146, AA 147) , R Schafer (AA 279) and PS Hossfeld (AA 140).