Hon Sir Arthur Blyth KCMG CB

Sir Arthur Blyth KCMG CB

19 March 1823

Pre-Party System

Former Member

North Adelaide

House of Assembly

21 September 1855

General Agent and Merchant in family business
Ironmonger
Promoter Northern Pastoral Company
Assessor for the Adelaide City Corporation

Sir Arthur Blyth came to Adelaide with his family at the age of sixteen years and went into business with his brother as an ironmonger. He was director of the National Bank and the Burra Mines before entering politics as the member for Yatala in 1855. He was a member of the Lower House for the electorate of Gumeracha from the years 1857 to 1868 and 1870 to 1875, and for North Adelaide from 1875 until 1877. Literate, efficient and well-read, Blyth was well regarded by his peers, an opinion reflected in his multiple nominations to office; he holds the record for the number of portfolios managed during the first forty years of government in South Australia, and was sworn into office twelve times. His appointments included Commissioner of Public Works, Treasurer and Chief Secretary. He also held three Premierships: for seven months in 1864-65, three months in 1871-72 and then from 1873 to 1875. During his final stint as Premier, Blyth survived three motions of censure on the third day of his government, continuing to govern for nearly two years before a resolution of dissatisfaction with the Blyth Ministry forced his resignation. This Government did little to tackle the urgent problems of the day, and although reputed to be a man of 'great common sense' it is fair to say that Blyth's political successes were minor and of second rate importance. He was appointed Agent-General for South Australia in London after F. S. Dutton's death, and although criticised for being out of touch with the colony's affairs, he held the post until his death in 1891.

07 December 1891