Ernest Blyth

For the Irish politician, see Ernest Blythe.

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]