BLAKISTON, CHARLES ROBERT (1825-98) was born at Okeover Park, Staffordshire, the son of Sir Matthew Blakiston. He came to Melbourne (1851) with his brother, but was persuaded to visit Canterbury (Apr 1852). There he entered into business, but soon took up land at Kaiapoi. He was M.P.C. for Lyttelton (1855-57), and for Kaiapoi (1857-61), being in the executive as provincial secretary. Blakiston was called to the Legislative Council (1857), but retired in 1862 owing to the demands of his business. In 1858 he married Mary Anna, daughter of Bishop Harper. On a visit to England in 1863 he was appointed manager of the Trust and Agency Co. of Australia in Christchurch, a position he occupied for 3 years. He was a director also of the South British Insurance and other companies; member of the diocesan synod and a governor of Christ's College. He died on 1 Sep 1898.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Col. Gent.; Acland; Lyttelton Times and The Press, 2 Sep 1898. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 53

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