WILLIAMS, GEORGE PHIPPS (1847-1909) was born in London, and graduated B.A. at Cambridge University. He joined the London metropolitan board of works and later became a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers. Coming to New Zealand in 1869, he was appointed resident engineer to the Rakaia railway in 1870, and to the General Government in 1871. He was engaged on the construction of the Midland Railway to the West Coast until it was completed, and subsequently became engineer and secretary to the Waimakariri and Ashley water supply board. Williams published a number of poems, including Colonial Couplets (1889) and (with W. P. Reeves) In Double Harness (1891), and New Chum's Letters Home and Other Poems (1904). Examples of his verse appear in Alpers's Jubilee Book of Canterbury Rhymes. In 1875 Williams married Edith Jane, daughter of Sir Thomas Tancred. He died on 18 May 1909.

Annals N.Z. Lit.; Hocken, Bibliog.; Cycl. NZ., iii; The Press, 19 May 1909.

Reference: Volume 2, page 258

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