Mr Bill Cameron

Press, 25 January 1988, Page 12

Mr Bill Cameron

PA Dunedin Mr Bill Cameron was king of cut-price liquor in Dunedin, and elsewhere, for years.

But it was a title others gave William Leith Cameron, not one he claimed through his association with the Robbie Burns liquor outlets. Mr Cameron, who died suddenly at Wanaka recently, aged 7.1, was an unpretentious man who preferred to keep a low profile in business. He was born in Durfedin in 1916, and educated at North-East Valley Primary School and Otago

Boys’ High School.

Service in the Pacific with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. during World War II opened the door to his business future. In his 18 months in the war zone before being invalided home, LanceCorporal Cameron realised the importance of a ready supply of spare parts for vehicles. After the war he worked for John Chambers motor parts before going out on his own as an importer of motor parts. His business, General Accessory Company, was later to be taken over by Andrew and Beaven on whose board he was to

serve for a number of years.

In the early 1970 s he bought the Robbie Burns Hotel in Dunedin and, taking advantage of delicensing of the liquor industry, started importing bulk spirits for distribution through the chain he set up in the four main centres. Two years ago the business was sold and Mr Cameron went into semiretirement, though he continued to take an interest in the business ventures of his family. Mr Cameron is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.