Mr. Philip David Phillips, whose death was announced yesterday, was born in Parramatta, New South Wales, in 1836, and came to Melbourne in 1852. After spending a few years in commercial pursuits, he entered the legal profession, and, specialising in mercantile law and insolvency, eventually became a recognised authority in those branches. A treatise by him on insolvency law was published about 10 years ago. Shortly before his death, Mr. Phillips went into partnership with Messrs Fox and Overend, forming the firm of P. D. Phillips, Fox, and Overend, but ill-health prevented the senior partner undertaking more than a small share of the work. Mr. Phillips, who in politics identified himself with free-trade principles, was a candidate for the St. Kilda electorate in 1879, but he retired in favour of Mr. J. Harris; in 1893 he unsuccessfully opposed Mr. Edward Miller for the Legislative Council. In literature, especially in Shakespeare, he was always keenly interested, and in 1903 and 1904 was president of the Shakespeare Society. On several occasions, he has contributed articles to The Argus and to The Australasian. The deceased gentleman leaves a family of two sons and four daughters. Mr. A. H. Phillips is associated with the firm of Messrs. Alfred Harvey and Co., and Mr. M. M. Phillips is taxing master of the Supreme Court. One of the daughters, Miss Marion Phillips, has taken the degree of master of arts in the Melbourne University and doctor of political science in the London University. Mrs. Phillips predeceased her husband over three years ago.
'Phillips, Philip David (1836–1909)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/phillips-philip-david-13959/text24864, accessed 24 December 2024.
30 December,
1836
Parramatta, Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
28 April,
1909
(aged 72)
Melbourne,
Victoria,
Australia
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.