Newspaper Article 1940 – Mr FW Williams

Mr. F.W. Williams

The death occurred in Napier of Mr. Frederic Wanklyn Williams, eldest son of the late Bishop William Leonard Williams, in his eighty-sixth year, says a “Dominion” Special Service message.

Mr. Williams was born in Whakato, Poverty Bay, and spent his early childhood at the Wairangahika Mission Station till 1865, when with his family he had to leave because of Hauhau activities. He was educated at St. John’s College and the Church of England Grammar School, Auckland. He entered business in Napier with Kinross and Co. in 1873, and in 1880 began business on his own account, founding in 1891, with Mr. Kettle, the well-known firm of Williams and Kettle, Ltd. He also founded the shipping company which is now known as Richardson and Co.

He had many local body interests. He was a member of the Harbour Board for 25 years, and in 1903 and 1904 was mayor of Napier. For many years he was a member of the Waiapu Diocesan Synod, the Auckland and Waiapu Clergy Pensions Board, and of St. John’s College Trust. He was also a member of various church trusts and boards and was a Sunday school superintendent, churchwarden, vestryman and treasurer of the original cathedral building fund. At 80 years of age he began to write a book, “Through 90 Years,” which was published last year. In 1899 when in England he won an armourers’ prize at Bisley over 900 yards.

He is survived by his widow and three sons, Messrs, R.W., P.S. and A.C. Williams.