OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21912, 22 September 1934, Page 14

OBITUARY

MR. THOMAS WILSON WELL-KNOWN RACING OWNER [from our own corrkspondknt] HAMILTON, Friday A well-known figure in New Zealand racing circles for 60 years, Mr. Thomas Wilson, died to-dav at tho residence of liis son, Mr. H. W. Wilson, of Wnitnai. He was 86 years of age. On three occasions horses from Mr. "V\ilson's stables won the Grand National Steeplechase, the first success being with Wainiai in 1910. Ho won the event again in 1928 and 1929 with Wiltshire. Born at Barton-on-Trent, England, Mr. Wilson came to New Zealand with his parents when he was only three years old. The family landed at Tara'haki, but moved to the Raglan district about three years later. For a number of years Mr. Wilson's father was engaged in farming and flax-milling at Okete, on the shore of the Raglan Harbour. When he was about 25, Mr. Wilson left his father's property and took up fanning at Ruakiwi. He became a successful sheep and cattle breeder, but was able to devote a considerable amount of his time and enthusiasm to horse-racing. In addition to Waimai and Wiltshire, many wellknown horses came from his stables, including Waikaretu, Waikawa, Maud Wilson, Pendennis and Pendavies. Mr. Wilson is survived by a daughter, Mrs. E. L. Upton, of To Hapa, and two sons, Messrs. H. W. Wilson and T. C. Wilson, of Waimai. His wife, Mrs. Mary Ann Wilson, died some years ago. _____