12 Facts About Wilfrid Owen

Wilfrid Barry Owen was a New Zealand politician and the first leader of New Zealand's Social Credit Party.

Wilfrid Owen was born in Wellington, and educated at Christchurch Boys' High School and Nelson College.

Wilfrid Owen was an industrial chemist, and founded his cosmetics and toiletries manufacturing company Wilfrid Owen New Zealand Limited in 1938.

Wilfrid Owen had many community interests and was a lifelong member of the Canterbury Jockey Club, the Christchurch Businessman's Club and the Canterbury Officers' Club.

Wilfrid Owen was elected as a member of the Sumner Borough Council as an independent candidate.

Wilfrid Owen remained a member until 1945 when Sumner was amalgamated with the Christchurch City Council.

Wilfrid Owen was one of 12 delegates at a summit in 1952 to promote a political wing of the association.

Wilfrid Owen became the leader of Social Credit Party in 1953.

Wilfrid Owen surprisingly sided with O'Brien who eventually lead a walkout and formed the splinter New Democratic Party.

Wilfrid Owen rejoined the Social Credit Party and remained a member until he died.

Wilfrid Owen was not made a life member but was a member of the Lyttelton branch.

Wilfrid Owen died in Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch aged 86, survived by his wife and two sons.