Top Wellington physician dies

Press, 23 April 1979, Page 5

Top Wellington physician dies

PA Wellington One of Wellington’s eminent physicians, Dr Morvyn (Tim) Williams, a great-grandson of the Rev. Henry Williams, one of New ‘ Zealand’s pioneer missionaries, died in Wel< lington on Easter Day. Dr Williams was born at Lansdowne. Masterton, the second son of Mr and Mrs H. G. Williams. He was a scholar of Christ's College and Jesus College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. with Honours after a distinguished college career in which he excelled academically and at sport. After Cambridge Dr Williams studied and practised medicine at St George’s Hospital, London. He began at Wellington Hospital as assistant physician in 1937, became a senior physician in the late 19405,’ and retired in 1975 as senictr visiting physician. However, he continued his private practice.

He was a foundation fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, served on the college council for many years, and was president for one term. He served on the Medical Council, as a president of the Rheumatic Council. He was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and an honorary fellow of the American College of Physicians and of the Australian and New Zealand ColPsychiatrists.

During World War II Dr Williams served in the medical corps of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East, and later with the 3rd Division in the Pacific. At the time of bis death he was a member of the W'ar Pensions Appeal Board. Dr Williams became a director in 1945 of the Wellington Publishing Company, Ltd, publisher of the -“Dominion,” newspaper, a family association which goes back to the time of his father, Mr H. G. Williams, who served as a director from the incorporation of the company in 1906 until his death in 1950. Dr Williams became chairman of the company in 1959, and during his chairmanship the company resisted a take-over by the British-based newspaper magnate, Lord Thomson, and expanded by merging with or puchasing several printing and publishing companies. An eventual merger with Blundell Bros., Ltd, the proprietor of the “Evening Post.” formed the company known as Independent Newspapers, Ltd. He was also a director of George H. Scales. Ltd. A keen sportsman, Dr Williams captained the Jesus College rugby team at Cambridge, and played for St George's Hospital, London, and London Welsh. His ardent interest in rugby continued throughout hit lUfti