Yesterday morning Mr Walter Watts, a very old resident of Feilding, passed away suddenly. Deceased, who was 83 years of age, went to Feilding 50 years ago and for many years carried on the business of a builder and contractor. He is survived by a widow and grownup family of three sons and four daughters. (Manawatu Standard, May 31, 1928)

An old New Zealand-born resident, Mr. Walter Watts, of Feilding, died yesterday. Born in Wellington in July, 1844, the late Mr. Watts had never left the Dominion, and for the past 51 years had resided at Feilding, where until some few years ago he was a well-known building contractor. A widow and a grown-up family of three sons and four daughters survive him. (The Dominion, May 31, 1928)

Mr. W. Watts, a retired builder of Feilding celebrated his 83rd birthday yesterday. He has been just on fifty years in Feilding and apart from 10 years sawmilling experience followed the occupation of a builder until he was 66 years of age. (Manawatu Times, July 12, 1927)

From the Cyclopedia of New Zealand, 1908:
Builder and Contractor, Fitzroy Street, Feilding. Mr. Watts has carried on his business since the year 1878, and during that period has built numerous public and private buildings in and around Feilding. He now employs a large number of persons in connection with his business. [Projects included Feilding's landmark bell tower in Manchester Square.]

Mr. Watts was born in Wellington in the year 1844, is one of the oldest New Zealand-born colonists, and had to contend with the difficulties experienced by the early settlers. He was educated at a small private school in Wellington, and learned the trade of a wheelwright under his brother-in-law, Mr. John Fitchett, with whom he spent four years. He then went to Picton, and spent ten years in the saw-milling industry with the late Captain Dalton, latterly as mill manager. He afterwards resigned on account of ill-health, and started business on his own account as a building contractor in Picton. After four years successful business there he removed to the North Island, and settled in Feilding. He has served on the Borough Council, was chairman of the School Committee, and is a member of the Building Society. Mr. Watts is married, and has ten children, six of whom are public school teachers. Of the other three sons one is a foreman printer, another a painter, and the third a draper in Wellington. His daughter [Alice, 1872-1940] married Mr. [William] Trewin, barrister and solicitor [1872-1912], the present Mayor of Feilding.