DAVIES, ARTHUR WILLIAM OSWALD (1875-1928), one of a family of 22, was a son of D. P. Davies, of Carmarthenshire, Wales. He learned the game of chess when he was 21, belonging to the London Polytechnic Club before coming to New Zealand (in 1902). An accountant by profession, Davies settled in Wellington, where he became a prominent member of the Wellington Chess Club. He won the New Zealand championship four times—in 1905, 1908, 1927—and on the last occasion a fortnight before his death (which occurred on 16 Jan 1928). He was runner-up three times, and was the only New Zealander to defeat the European champion, Kositch. Davies was one of the best players the Dominion has produced. He wrote chess columns in the Wellington newspapers.

N.Z. Chess Book, 1922 (p); Evening Post and The Dominion, 17 Jan 1928.

Reference: Volume 1, page 114

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