DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2322, 2 December 1914, Page 7

DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER

Mil. BLACKWELL, OF KAIAPOI. . ffly laeßropn.—Presj Association,) Chrlstchuroh, December 1. Mr. George' Henry Blackwell,- one of the leading business men bf Kaiapoi, and who had been' connected with the Kaiapoi Woollen Company from its earliest days, died this evening, aged-74. The late.Mr. Blackwell was a native of Leamington, England, and on completing his education he entered the Royal Navy, and served under Sir Charles Napier. He was in the fleet which escorted the then Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) on his first visit to Canada'. ' After some few years on the North American and West Indian 'station?. Mr. Blackwell, in 1861. purchased his discharge, and in the next year came to Lyttelton..- Later he took up his residence at Kaiapoi, and entered into business as a general storekeeper, his business becoming' the largest concern in the town. He early took an interest in public affairs,; and was one of the first to sign a petition for municipal government for Kaiapoi fifty years ago. For eight years he was a councillor and three yea.rs (1879-1881) Mayor, bejng also Senior Justice of.the Peace. He was one of twelve shareholders in the Woollen Company to subscribe a capital of £15,000 to establish. In a very 'short time' the capital was increased to £100,000, and now stands at £200,000. ' V. ■