Henry Blundell (publisher) facts for kids

Henry Blundell (1813 – 15 June 1878) was a very important person in New Zealand's newspaper history. He was born in Dublin, Ireland. He was a newspaper founder, owner, and publisher, skilled in many areas of the business. In 1860, he brought his six children to Australia. Then, in 1863, he moved permanently to New Zealand. There, he started the Wellington evening newspaper called The Evening Post on 8 February 1865.

Early Life and Career

Henry Blundell worked for 27 years at the Dublin Evening Mail newspaper in Ireland. He was the manager there. He decided to leave after a disagreement about how staff were treated.

After leaving Ireland, Henry first went to Melbourne, Australia. He then decided to try his luck in the South Island of New Zealand, which was more developed at the time. He left his family in Melbourne for a short while. From 1861 to 1862, he worked as an assistant manager at the Lyttelton Times newspaper.

In 1863, he brought his children from Melbourne to New Zealand. He then worked at the Otago Daily Times. The next year, he joined a new newspaper project near Havelock. This area had a promising goldfield called Wakamarina. However, the gold started to run out, so he looked for a new opportunity.

Founding The Evening Post

Henry's final move was to Wellington, New Zealand's new capital city. Wellington was chosen as the capital because it was in the middle of the country and had a safe harbour. This decision took effect in February 1865.

Henry teamed up with David Curle, his partner from Havelock. David Curle later left the partnership in July. On 8 February 1865, Henry and his three sons printed and delivered Wellington's first daily newspaper, The Evening Post. They used a hand-operated printing press. Just a few months later, on 26 July 1865, the New Zealand parliament met in Wellington for the very first time.

Henry Blundell used his many years of experience to run The Evening Post. He made sure the newspaper was independent and fair. He also encouraged his staff to write with moderation. At first, he was both the manager and the editor. He helped with all parts of the newspaper and wrote the main articles, called editorials. People knew him as a kind and friendly person.

Retirement and Legacy

Nine years after starting The Evening Post, Henry decided to retire. He first visited his home country, Ireland. He left the newspaper in the very capable hands of his three sons: John (1841-1922), Henry (1844-1894), and Louis (1849-1934).

After retiring, Henry often traveled between Wellington, Melbourne, and Sydney. However, he continued to live mainly in Wellington.

Henry Blundell passed away on 15 June 1878, at the age of 65. He was on holiday in Sydney, Australia, at the time. He was buried in Wellington at Bolton Street Cemetery. His grave is part of a special memorial trail there.

Henry Blundell's great-grandson, Sir Denis Blundell, later became a very important person. He served as New Zealand's Governor-General from 1972 to 1977.

Family

Henry Blundell and his wife, Margaret McGowan, had six children. They were born between 1841 and 1852.

• John
• Ellen, who married John Stevenson
• Thomas Henry
• Margaret McGowan, who married Nicholas Marchant
• Louis Proctor
• Caroline Amelia, who married John Marshall