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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 73

Mr. W. W. Collins, — Third Member for Christchurch

page 41

Mr. W. W. Collins,

Third Member for Christchurch.

Mr. W. W. Collins,

Mr. W. W. Collins,

William Whitehouse Collins was born in Harborne, Staffordshire, Eng., in 1854, and is 41 years of age. His father was a well-known manufacturer in the great Midland Capital, and he inherits Radical principles from his grandfather, John Collins, who was one of the Chartist prisoners. Educated partly at a private school and subsequently at Midlaw Institute and Mason's College, Birmingham, Mr. Collins was destined for the ministry of the Baptist Church, but found a preliminary sphere in commercial pursuits. Becoming connected with the Secularists (of whom Bradlaugh and Mrs. Besant were the leading spirits), he threw himself heartily into all the movements, political and otherwise, they initiated. In 1885, holding a diploma as a lecturer from the National Secular Society, he arrived in Sydney, and after touring the Australian Colonies settled in Christchurch, where he established the Lyceum. He also took an active part in all advanced political movements. Early in 1893 he returned to Sydney to lead the Freethought movement there, but at the invitation of his friends again took up his quarters in Christchurch in order to contest the seat, and was returned.

Result of General Election, 1893:—
Reeves, W. P. 5442 Returned.
Smith, G. J. 4610 Returned.
Collins, W. W. 3875 Returned.
Sandford, E. 3594 Defeated.
Hoare, J. O'B. 3098 Defeated.
Bradbury, C. H. 2937 Defeated.
Taylor, R. M. 2037 Defeated.
Hoban. W. 1976 Defeated.
Davie, M. 1846 Defeated.
Evison, J. S. 1753 Defeated.
George. Eden 1647 Defeated.

Votes recorded, 32,715 number on roll, 14,612.Women on roll, 6710, of whom 5989 voted.