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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]
Mr. W. R. Blythe
Mr. W. R. Blythe was born in Gatehouse, Scotland, in the year 1841, and was a son of the late Mr. S. Blythe. He was educated in his native place, and then learned the drapery trade at Wigan, Lancashire, England. Later on, he became partner in a chemical manufacturing business at St. Helens, where he lived for several years. In 1870 Mr. Blythe came to New Zealand, and settled in Napier, where he was employed for nearly a year by Messrs Newton and Company, before establishing the wellknown drapery business of Messrs Blythe and Company. Mr, Blythe took an active part in public life, in which he did useful service. He took a keen interest in volunteer matters for many years, and was for some time Commanding Officer of the Hawke's Bay Military District. He was known for his kindly and benevolent disposition, and was a liberal contributor to every movement with a charitable purpose. Mr. Blythe married a niece of the late Captain A. McLean. He died in the year 1903.