Ernest Blyth Explained

Ernest Frederick Burns Blyth (11 July 1872  - 1 November 1933) was an Australian politician in Tasmania.

Early life and marriage

Ernest was born in 1872 to schoolteacher William Crowther Blyth and Mary Ann (née Burns) of Honeywood,^[1] in the Huon district. Within a handful of years the family moved to Campbell Town where his father was appointed head teacher and stayed there for over 20 years. From a young age Ernest had a literary interest, winning prizes for poetry, or being noted for his care when looking after books.^{[2] [3]}

Ernest Blyth married Jessie Chepmell in Hobart on 14 April 1903.^[4] Over the next few years a few children were born to the couple, Blyth working as an estate manager at the "Armistead" property at Kimberley.^[5]

Political career

In 1913 he was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly as a Liberal member for Wilmot. A Nationalist from 1917, he joined the Country Party in 1922. He was appointed Minister for Lands and Mines, Soldier Settlement in August that year,^[6] In June 1923 there was a Cabinet re-shuffle and Blyth was appointed Chief Secretary and Minister for Mines.^[7]

Blyth was defeated in 1925, an electoral boundary change affecting his chances, and his time to conduct his campaign being affected by family bereavements.^[8]

Later life and death

He died at home at Kimberley in 1933.^{[9] [10]}

Notes and References

1. https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD33-1-50p572j2k RGD33/1/50 number 518
2. News: Campbell Town Public School. . . XII . 52 . Tasmania, Australia . 29 December 1883 . 2 July 2023 . 1498 . National Library of Australia.
3. News: Campbell Town. . . XLVII . 302 . Tasmania, Australia . 24 December 1887 . 2 July 2023 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
4. News: Family Notices . . LXXIX . 10,368 . Tasmania, Australia . 6 June 1903 . 2 July 2023 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
5. News: Advertising . . 6056 . Tasmania, Australia . 4 June 1913 . 2 July 2023 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
6. News: Minister for Lands. . . XLII . 194 . Tasmania, Australia . 16 August 1922 . 2 July 2023 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
7. News: Exit Mr. M‘Phee. . . VII . 805 . Tasmania, Australia . 7 June 1923 . 2 July 2023 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
8. News: Mr. E. F. Blyth. . . CXXII . 17,977 . Tasmania, Australia . 10 June 1925 . 2 July 2023 . 7 . National Library of Australia.
9. Blyth, Ernest Frederick Burns . blythe328 . 24 July 2022.
10. News: Obituary . . XCII . 201 . Tasmania, Australia . 2 November 1933 . 2 July 2023 . 6 (DAILY) . National Library of Australia.