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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]

Councillor Arthur Wiffen

Councillor Arthur Wiffen is a member of the Blenheim Borough Council. He was born on the l2th of June, 1849, in Essex, England, where he was educated. Mr. Wiffen afterwards learned the business of a brewer and malster in Gloucestershire, and at twenty years of age went, under contract, to manage extensive malthouses in Chicago, America. Three years and six months later he returned to England, and shortly afterwards saded for New Zealand, under engagement to Messrs Wigram Brothers, of Christchurch. Though he contracted for only three years' service with that firm, he remained in its employment for eight years, and he then resigned to establish himself in Dunedin, under the style of the Otago Malting Company. The imposition of the protective tariff, however, rendered his business in Otago unprofitable, and in January, 1904, he opened up under the same style in Blenheim. Mr. Wiffen occupies offices in High Street, has extensive stores on the riverbank, near the centre of the town, and trades as a malster and wholesale dealer in grain, wool, seeds, flax, and other produce. During his long residence in New Zealand, Mr. Wifien has taken a keen interest in public affairs. While a resident of Canterbury, he was a member of the Christchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and of the Selwyn County Council, and was for some years chairman of the Heathcote Road Board, and of the Heathcote Valley school committee.