WILLIS, ARCHIBALD DUDINGSTON (1842-1908) was born in Middlesex, England, and in 1857 worked his way to New Zealand in the Dinapore. He followed the trade of printer in various parts of New Zealand, spent some months on the Gabriel's Gully goldfield, and later was associated with the Hawkes Bay Herald. He subsequently joined John Ballance in the Wanganui Herald (1868) and established himself as a bookseller, stationer and printer in Wanganui. In public life Willis was chairman of the harbour board, and a member of the Wanganui borough council, the river trust, the chamber of commerce and the school committee. In 1893 he succeeded Ballance as member for Wanganui in the House of Representatives. In 1896 he was defeated by G. Carson. He regained the seat in 1899 and sat till 1905, when he was defeated by J. T. Hogan. Willis died on 27 Aug 1908.

N.Z.P.D., pass. (notably 4 Sep 1908); Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Wanganui Herald and Chronicle, 28 Aug 1908; Who's Who N.Z., 1908. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 262

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