Willie Parau Browne | |
---|---|
Member of the Legislative Council | |
Member of Rarotonga Island Council | |
Personal details | |
Born | 17 February 1884 |
Died | 14 November 1957 | (aged 73)
Profession | Businessman |
William Parau Browne (17 February 1884 – 14 November 1957) was a Cook Islands businessman and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Council during the 1950s.
The son of a European trader, [1] Browne was one of the most prominent businessmen in the Cook Islands. He owned the Royal Hall, which for many year was the only cinema in Rarotonga. [2] Prior to films being screened, he would drive around the island handing out flyers, [2] and would give running commentaries on the films in Māori. [3] He frequently hosted parties at his home in the village of Nikao. [2]
Browne was also involved in politics was elected to Rarotonga Island Council during World War I. He remained a member until 1947. When he was re-elected in 1950, he also became a member of the Legislative Council covering the whole Cook Islands. [2]
Browne was married twice, remarrying after his first wife Tuvaine Tamarua died. [4] He died in November 1957 at the age of 73. [2]
Willie Parau Browne | |
---|---|
Member of the Legislative Council | |
Member of Rarotonga Island Council | |
Personal details | |
Born | 17 February 1884 |
Died | 14 November 1957 | (aged 73)
Profession | Businessman |
William Parau Browne (17 February 1884 – 14 November 1957) was a Cook Islands businessman and politician. He served as a member of the Legislative Council during the 1950s.
The son of a European trader, [1] Browne was one of the most prominent businessmen in the Cook Islands. He owned the Royal Hall, which for many year was the only cinema in Rarotonga. [2] Prior to films being screened, he would drive around the island handing out flyers, [2] and would give running commentaries on the films in Māori. [3] He frequently hosted parties at his home in the village of Nikao. [2]
Browne was also involved in politics was elected to Rarotonga Island Council during World War I. He remained a member until 1947. When he was re-elected in 1950, he also became a member of the Legislative Council covering the whole Cook Islands. [2]
Browne was married twice, remarrying after his first wife Tuvaine Tamarua died. [4] He died in November 1957 at the age of 73. [2]