DEDICATED YACHTSMAN

Press, Volume C, Issue 29699, 18 December 1961, Page 17

DEDICATED YACHTSMAN

Scattering Of Ashes “The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, December 17. The dying wish of one of New Zealand's most dedicated yachtsmen, Mr P. O. Wheatley, was carried out on Sunday morning. His ashes were scattered at sea in the vicinity of the Auckland Sanders Cup trials. Mr Wheatley will be remembered by many old yachtsmen throughout New Zealand for his close association with the Sanders Cup, which he made his driving interest from its inception in 1921 until his death three weeks ago. Mr Wheatley began his career as the shipping reporter of the “New Zealand Herald.” and later joined the staff of the “Otago Daily Times.” where he remained until his retirement a few years ago. He attended every Sanders Cup contest that has been held, and was associated with Mr B. Reid in writing “The History of the Sanders Cup.” which was published in 1946. He was also co-author of “Shipwrecks, New Zealand Disasters.” His ashes were scattered at the Tamaki Yacht Club on Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, by one of his oldest yachting friends, Mr V. Lidgard, before the beginning of the third Auckland Sanders Cup trial. Mr Lidgard won the Sanders Cup in 1923 and 1924. The four yachts competing on Sunday carried black pennants from their mainsails in memory of Mr Wheatley, a true New Zealand yachts.man.