WILLS, WILLIAM ROBERT (1837-96) was born at Bath, England, came to Auckland by the Assaye (1874) and lived at Onehunga to 1877, and thereafter at Otahuhu. He earned his livelihood as a journalist and local correspondent and wrote a good deal of verse. His published volumes include A Bunch of Wild Pansies (1885), and God's Splendid Son (1901). Many of his songs were set to music. Wills was an ardent Liberal in politics. He married Martha, daughter of Thomas Nield, and died on 8 May 1896.

Alexander and Currie; Annals N.Z. Lit.; Evening Herald (Dunedin), 28 Mar, 6 Jun 1885; Auckland Star, 8 May 1896; N.Z. Herald, 9 May.

Reference: Volume 2, page 263

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