William Parau Browne (17 February 1884 – 14 November 1957) was a Cook Islands businessman and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Council during the 1950s.
Willie Parau Browne | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Legislative Council | |
| Member of Rarotonga Island Council | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 February 1884 |
| Died | 14 November 1957 (aged 73) |
| Profession | Businessman |
Biography
editThe son of a European trader,[1] Browne was one of the most prominent businessmen in the Cook Islands. He owned the Royal Hall, which for many year was the only cinema in Rarotonga.[2] Prior to films being screened, he would drive around the island handing out flyers,[2] and would give running commentaries on the films in Māori.[3] He frequently hosted parties at his home in the village of Nikao.[2]
Browne was also involved in politics was elected to Rarotonga Island Council during World War I. He remained a member until 1947. When he was re-elected in 1950, he also became a member of the Legislative Council covering the whole Cook Islands.[2]
Browne was married twice, remarrying after his first wife Tuvaine Tamarua died.[4] He died in November 1957 at the age of 73.[2]
References
edit- ^ Cook Islands culture, University of the South Pacific, p197
- ^ a b c d e Mr. W.P. (Willie) Browne Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1958, p132
- ^ COMLA Newsletter, Issues 73-78, Commonwealth Library Association, p25
- ^ Makea contender wanting to rewrite history? Cook Islands Herald, 13 October 2008