COLLINS, ROBERT JOSEPH (1848-1924) was born at Cavan, Ireland, the son of Captain Robert Collins, of the 57th regiment. Educated in Ireland, India and New Zealand, he became a clerk in the militia pay office at Taranaki in 1865. Five years later he was inspector of stores in the Public Works Department and, transferring to the Treasury, he became accountant in 1890. In 1903 he was assistant-secretary; 1906 Secretary and Paymaster-general; and in 1910 Controller and Auditor-general. At the age of 15 Collins joined the Taranaki militia and in 1899 he assumed command of the 1st battalion Wellington rifles. In 1896 he was appointed to the council of defence. He won the Taranaki rifle shooting championship in 1874 and 1875; was for many years president of the Wellington Rifle Association and was commandant of the New Zealand rifle team at the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth (1901). He was chief executive officer of the Dominion Rifle Association from 1904 and commandant of the team which won the Kolapore cup at Bisley in that year. He received the long and efficient service medal (1893), the Imperial volunteer medal (1902), the I.S.O. (1909); and was created C.M.G. (1911).

Collins married (1875) Annie, daughter of Richard Cock (New Plymouth). He died on 1 Dec 1924.

Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Evening Post, 2 Dec 1924.

Reference: Volume 1, page 102

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