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Mr A O WELLWOOD

One of NZ's best-known racing writers, Mr Arthur Otway Wellwood, died at his home in Riccarton last week. He was 73.

Born in Hastings, Mr Wellwood was for many years a farmer and fat stock dealer. As a young man he was a prominent sportsman and a Hawkes Bay tennis champion. During World War I he served in the NZ Army as a sergent-major instructor at Trentham military camp.

In 1926, after working as a reporter for the 'Hawkes Bay Herald' and on 'The Referee', he joined the staff of 'The Press' as racing editor.

In the 1930s he served as a racing judge for several racing clubs in the South Island. He retired from all judging in 1949.

After his retirement from 'The Press' in 1946, Mr Wellwood continued to work as a free-lance racing writer for many of NZ's newspapers, including 'Truth,' the 'Dominion' and the Dunedin 'Evening Star." He was the first paid contributor to the 'Turf Digest.'

A keen bowler in his retirement, he was a popular member of the United and Riccarton Bowling Clubs. He was a foundation member of the Russley Golf Club and in 1938 was runner-up in the club's senior championship.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 13July60