Married Margaret Fraser at Bulls on 6 September 1904 (Rev. Doull officiated). They had one child (Donald Frank born at Marton 13 March 1906) at the time of his enlistment.

"Sergeant M. H. E. Gorringe (killed in action) left with the 25th Reinforcements. Before he heard the call of war he was engaged in sheepfarming at Ihakara, and he had extensive holdings on the Main Trunk line. He was well-known throughout the district as a man of generous impulses and kindly nature, who never withheld his assistance from any worthy cause whether it was financial aid or personal effort that was wanted. Another brother is still with the New Zealanders in France. Mrs Gorringe, who was a daughter of the late Mr Donald Fraser, one of the pioneer settlers of the Rangitikei, took up war work after her husband's departure, and has been devotedly engaged in it ever since. There are two children." Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16097, 31 December 1917, Page 8