COLLINS, WILLIAM EDWARD (1853-1934) was born at Darjeeling, India, the son of J. G. Collins, M.D., I.M.S. Educated at Cheltenham College, England, and London University, he qualified at St George's Hospital, London (F.R.C.S. 1876, M.B. 1877). He played Rugby football, representing England for several years against Scotland and Ireland. After gaining experience in London, Collins came to New Zealand, and settled in Wellington. He was for 30 years honorary surgeon to the Wellington hospital; was interested in ambulance work, and held the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the volunteer medical service. He was chairman of the residential nursery from its inception in 1920, and was five years chairman of council of the British Medical Association, and twice president (1904, 1916).

Collins was called to the Legislative Council in 1914, and was a member until his death (on 11 Aug 1934). He served in a hospital ship during the war of 1914-18 and was afterwards chairman of the New Zealand executive of the Red Cross Society, which he represented at conferences at Geneva (1926) and the Hague (1928). To him is due the Junior Red Cross movement, and he inaugurated a 'disaster fund' to be released immediately upon the occurrence of any national disaster in New Zealand. Collins was on the senate of the University of New Zealand (1904-30). He married Isabel Georgiana, daughter of David Warren (Melbourne).

Who's Who N.Z., 1932; Studholme; Evening Post, 11 Aug 1934. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 102

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