Wilfred Lawson Blythe facts for kids

Wilfred Lawson Blythe (born November 9, 1896 – died November 6, 1975) was a British official. He worked in the government of British colonies. He is best known for being the second Colonial Secretary of Singapore. He held this important role from June 30, 1950, to July 30, 1953.

Blythe started his career in 1921. He joined the Malayan Civil Service as a trainee. He worked in the Chinese Protectorate, a department that helped Chinese people. Over time, he rose to the high position of Colonial Secretary of Singapore. He retired on July 30, 1953.

Education and Early Life

Wilfred Lawson Blythe went to school at the Birkenhead Institute. He then studied at Liverpool University. In 1922, he traveled to Canton (now Guangzhou) in China. There, he learned to speak Cantonese. He also passed exams in Hokkien and Malay, which are other languages spoken in the region.

Career in Government

Blythe began his work in the Malayan Civil Service in 1921. This was a group of people who worked for the British government in Malaya. He started as a cadet, which means a trainee. His first jobs were in the Chinese Secretariat in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur.

Working with the Chinese Protectorate

Between 1922 and the start of the Japanese occupation, Blythe worked as an Assistant Protector or Protector of Chinese. This job involved helping Chinese communities. He worked in several places like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johore, Negri Sembilan, and Singapore.

In 1925, while working in Kuala Lumpur, Blythe was involved in an incident at a police station. A bomb went off, and he received minor injuries.

Other Important Roles

In 1925, Blythe briefly worked as a temporary assistant to Sir George Maxwell. Sir Maxwell was the Chief Secretary of the Federated Malay States.

By 1929, Blythe had several roles. He was the Registrar of Societies, which meant he registered and oversaw different groups and clubs. He was also a First Magistrate, a type of judge. In 1930, he became the Controller of Labour, managing issues related to workers.

In 1932, Blythe moved to Singapore. He worked as an Assistant Registrar of Societies there. He also became an Assistant Secretary of Chinese Affairs for a short time.

Work in Penang

From 1933 to 1934, Blythe was a Municipal Commissioner in George Town, Penang. This role involved helping to manage the city. During this time, tailors in Penang went on strike. Blythe was asked to step in and help solve the problem. He acted as an arbitrator, which means he helped both sides reach an agreement. The strike was later settled.

From 1935 to 1936, he was the Deputy President of the Municipal Commissioners in George Town.

Later Roles Before Retirement

Between 1937 and 1947, Blythe was the Assistant Secretary of Chinese Affairs for all of Malaya. In 1939, he also temporarily worked as the Commissioner of Trade and Customs. He was also the Superintendent of Chandu Monopoly in Johore. The next year, he became the Deputy Controller of Labour for Chinese workers in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States.

In April 1948, Blythe became the Deputy President of the Municipal Commissioners of Singapore. The next year, he became the President of the Singapore Municipal Commission.

In 1950, Blythe was appointed the Colonial Secretary. This was a very important job. While he was Colonial Secretary, he sometimes acted as the Officer Administrating the Government. This happened when the Governor of Singapore, Sir Franklin Gimson, was away. In 1952, Blythe again took on this role. Sir Franklin Gimson retired, and the new governor, Sir John Fearns Nicoll, had not yet arrived.

Blythe retired from his post as Colonial Secretary of Singapore on July 30, 1953. He had worked for the Malayan Civil Service for 32 years.

After Retirement

After retiring, Blythe returned to Malaya in 1955. He spent time writing and giving talks about Chinese secret societies in Malaya. In 1969, he published a book titled "Impact of Chinese Secret Societies in Malaya: A Historical Study."

Personal Life

Wilfred Blythe married Muriel Gertrude Woodward in 1925. They had one daughter, who was born on July 10, 1927. Both Mr. and Mrs. Blythe enjoyed playing tennis. They often took part in tennis tournaments organized by local clubs.

Wilfred Lawson Blythe passed away on November 6, 1975.

Awards and Honours

For his dedicated service to Malaya, Wilfred Blythe received an important award. He was made a Companion of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). This honour was given to him in the 1953 New Year Honours.