Biographical entry: Philip, Sir Robert (1851 - 1922)
- Born
- 1851
- Died
- 1922
Summary
Papers, ca.1875-1922. Robert Philp was born in Scotland in 1851 and came to Australia with his parents the following year. He worked for various stores in Brisbane from 1865, and formed a business partnership with James Bums in Townsville in 1875. Philp entered politics and was M.L.A. for Musgrave 1886-1888 and Townsville 1888-1915; he rose to ministerial office and was Premier of Queensland 1899-1903 and 1907-1908. He was awarded the K.C.M.G. in 1915, and died in 1922. Bums Philp and Co. had comprehensive business interests in northern and western Queensland in storekeeping and agency services, shipping, timber, insurance and mining, as well as extensive trade and shipping interests in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Correspondence, company reports, press extracts, photographs etc., relating to the political and business affairs of Sir Robert Philp. Subjects include federation, New Guinea, mining, the sugar industry, Townsville, Thomas Ryan and the appointment of Sir Mathew Nathan as Governor of Queensland in 1919. There is a good deal of correspondence between Philp and James Bums concerning the administration of Bums Philp and Co. There are also several letters and telegrams from William Morris Hughes. 27 volumes, one box. Oxley: O.M.65-32.