Biography contributed by Bernadette Siebert
Helen Newbiggen was born about 1840 in Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland to farmer William and Margaret nee Prentice. Helen (sometimes known as Ellen) married in 1862 at Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland to Matthew Blair.
Matthew Blair was nine years older than Helen, the son of Robert and Margaret nee Henderson, born in Renfrewshire, Scotland. They had two sons were born in Scotland:
- Matthew (1863–1944)
- William John (1871–1918)
Matthew’s father Robert was one of the pioneers of coal gas. and manager of the Johnsonville works. Matthew succeeded his father in that position and later went to London to study scientific treatment of coal tar. 'Subsequently Mr. Blair became manager of one of the largest tar distilleries in England, and became well known for his expert knowledge of the methods of extracting products from coal tar.' In 1882 his health gave way, and he came to New Zealand and made his home at Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island. Matthew’s brother John Blair and his family, had already come out to NZ about 1864 and farmed on Great Barrier.
In 1896 Matthew sold his 700 acres farm, partly improved, including 2 acres orchard, and partly valuable bush. 'The land is of good quality and well-watered, and has large frontage to this fine harbour, steam communication with Auckland weekly.' Matthew and Helen moved to Karangahake where in 1900 Matthew was a carpenter. By 1903 they had moved to Hopetoun Street, central Auckland where he was an inspector. By the time Helen died, they were living with their married son Matthew jnr in Dexter Avenue, Mt Eden. 'On April 15, 1911, at the residence of her son… after great suffering, Helen, dearly beloved wife of Matthew Blair, sen, aged 69 years. Private interment' at Waikaraka Cemetery.
Matthew remained living with his son and died at the same address in 1923 'At the ripe age of 92 years.' He was buried with his wife at Waikaraka Cemetery.
Sources
PAPERS PAST Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 89, 15 April 1911, Page 12
PAPERS PAST Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 167, 16 July 1923, Page 11
PAPERS PAST New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10217, 22 August 1896, Page 1