Percy Blesing

Albert Percy Blesing (9 September 1879 – 2 March 1949) was a farmer and politician from South Australia who served as Minister for Agriculture (1933–1944), for Local Government (1933–1938) and for Afforestation (1938–1944).^[1] He was a founding member of the Country Party Association (see National Party of Australia) and served in the governments of Richard Layton Butler and Thomas Playford IV.^[2]

Percy Blesing was born in Hamilton, South Australia to Ernst Gotthilf Blesing and his wife Elizabeth (née Flower). Percy's grandparents had emigrated from Germany in 1841 and his family settled in the northern farming areas of South Australia. In 1893, Percy's family moved to Glenholme, a 1400ha mixed farm at Bangor in the lower Flinders Ranges. After several years working as a farmhand and shearer around Australia and in New Zealand, Percy married Eliza Muriel Annie Glasson and took over Glenholme. Percy and Annie had five children, Ida, Gwen, Ned, Lloyd and Jabez. Jabez died of whooping cough at a young age.

Political career

Percy soon became involved in politics, being a founding member of the Country Party Association and being elected as the representative for Northern in the Legislative Assembly in 1924.^[3] The family moved to Prospect in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Percy was involved in the defeat of the James Scullin government in 1931 and, with fellow South Australian Archie Cameron, negotiated the formation of the Liberal and Country League in South Australia. As part of the final agreement in the formation of the LCL, "A.P. Blesing received a guaranteed Ministerial post".^[4] Richard Layton Butler lead the LCL to power in 1933 and Percy was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Local Government.

As a farmer, Percy was an effective local representative and a strong advocate for rural issues. He served on the board of the South Australian Voluntary Wheat Pools Ltd and on the advisory committee to the State Bank of South Australia. Despite his achievements in overseeing rural rehabilitation, expansions in agricultural education and industry, road improvements and pine plantations, Percy came into conflict with other members of his coalition. Percy was a jovial, good-natured man who enjoyed a day at the races more than reading his departmental briefs. He had little time for political conniving and his enthusiasms lead him to be nicknamed the "Minister for Billiards". Not all of his colleagues disapproved, however, at least in private. Richard Layton Butler resigned as Premier in 1938 over a dispute over betting shop legislation and leadership was taken over by Thomas Playford IV.^[5] Tom Playford was a regular visitor to the Blesing household where he was able to indulge in activities frowned upon by his family and colleagues.

By 1944, however, Playford abandoned his former friend. When Percy refused to resign his portfolio, Playford submitted the resignation of the entire cabinet and appointed a new one, without Percy.^[2][6] Percy was devastated by Playford's political betrayal but, despite voting against him occasionally, never betrayed Playford's personal trust.

Percy died following a gall bladder operation in 1949 and was buried at Wirrabara after a state funeral. He was survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.

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