Profile picture of Hon Sir Arthur Blyth KCMG CB

Hon Sir Arthur Blyth KCMG CB

North Adelaide
House of Assembly

About Me

Full Name
Sir Arthur Blyth KCMG CB
Date of Birth
19 March 1823
Party
Pre-Party System
Position
Former Member
Electorate
North Adelaide
House
House of Assembly
Date Elected
21 September 1855
Prior Employment
General Agent and Merchant in family business
Ironmonger
Promoter Northern Pastoral Company
Assessor for the Adelaide City Corporation
Public Activities
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.
Deceased
07 December 1891

Electoral History

Date
District
House
Party
Reason (if retired)
10 Feb 1875 - 21 Feb 1877
North Adelaide
House of Assembly
Pre-Party System
Accepted Office
05 Apr 1870 - 09 Feb 1875
Gumeracha
House of Assembly
Pre-Party System
Not Re-elected
26 Feb 1857 - 20 Apr 1868
Gumeracha
House of Assembly
Pre-Party System
Not Re-elected
21 Sep 1855 - 02 Feb 1857
Yatala
Legislative Council
Pre-Party System
Not Re-elected

Offices Held

21 Feb 1877 - Current
Former Member

Ministerial Appointments

25 Mar 1876 - 06 Jun 1876
Treasurer
22 Jul 1873 - 03 Jun 1875
Chief Secretary
22 Jul 1873 - 03 Jun 1875
Premier
10 Nov 1871 - 10 Nov 1871
Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
10 Nov 1871 - 22 Jan 1872
Premier
10 Nov 1871 - 22 Jan 1872
Treasurer
28 Mar 1866 - 03 May 1867
Chief Secretary
20 Sep 1865 - 23 Oct 1965
Treasurer
04 Aug 1864 - 22 Mar 1865
Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration
04 Aug 1864 - 22 Mar 1865
Premier
19 Feb 1862 - 04 Jul 1863
Treasurer
08 Oct 1861 - 17 Oct 1861
Treasurer
12 Jun 1858 - 09 May 1860
Commissioner of Public Works
21 Aug 1857 - 01 Sep 1857
Commissioner of Public Works
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Acknowledgement of Country

The Parliament of South Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to the Elders both past and present.