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.
Biography The son of a European trader,Cook Islands culture, University of the South Pacific, p197 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.Mr. W.P. (Willie) Browne Pacific Islands Monthly, January 1958, p132 Prior to films being screened, he would drive around the island handing out flyers, and would give running commentaries on the films in Māori.COMLA Newsletter, Issues 73-78, Commonwealth Library Association, p25 He frequently hosted parties at his home in the village of Nikao.
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.
Browne was married twice, remarrying after his first wife Tuvaine Tamarua died.Makea contender wanting to rewrite history? Cook Islands Herald, 13 October 2008 He died in November 1957 at the age of 73.
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