was overseas) he was criticised at the 1958 conference, and he resigned from the leadership shortly after in 1959. The Social Credit Party suffered a very public split between supporters of leader Vernon Cracknell and his deputy John O'Brien. Owen surprisingly sided with O'Brien who eventually lead a walkout and formed the splinter New Democratic Party. In the Owen stood in for the New Democratic Party, and came fifth with 288 votes (the Social Credit candidate came third). He rejoined the Social Credit Party and remained a member until he died. He was not made a life member (probably due to his support of O'Brien in the 1970s schism) but was a member of the Lyttelton branch. Death He died in Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch aged 86, survived by his wife and two sons. Notes References Obituary in The New Zealand Herald, 11 August 1984 1898 births 1984 deaths Burials at Bromley Cemetery People educated at Christchurch Boys' High School People educated at Nelson College Leaders of political parties in New Zealand People from Christchurch Christchurch City Councillors Social Credit Party (New Zealand) politicians Unsuccessful candidates in the 1954 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1957 New Zealand general election Unsuccessful candidates in the 1972 New Zealand general election Local politicians in New Zealand