Henry Charles Parfitt, Mayor of Newport, 1918 - 1919
Photo reference number: 1333
(Photo and text from "Who's Who In Newport" 1920.)
MR. COUNCILLOR HENRY CHARLES PARFITT, the occupant of the Newport Mayoral Chair for 1918-1919, was born at Abersychan, on 16th December, 1858. He is the eldest son of the late Joseph Parfitt, a former member of the Corporation in representation of the Maindee Ward, before the division of the borough into its present ten wards. He was educated at Pontnewydd Church Schools and at Maindee School. His master here was Mr. P. G. Gale, who, in his time, was responsible for training many boys who have subsequently gained distinction in business life. The subject of this sketch, after being engaged in the building trade, became a public works contractor. He is today a member of the firm of Messrs. H. C. and A. E. Parfitt, the Risca Quarry owners. As a contractor, he has done a great deal of road making, chiefly for public authorities, and also to a considerable extent for the Tredegar Estate. Amongst his other works may be noticed the construction of Corporation Road and important works for the Urban District Councils of the county, as well as for the Monmouthshire County Council. He is a director of E. P. Lawlor, Ltd., and a shareholder in the Oak Brick Company, Pontnewynydd. His municipal career has been of a strenuous character, and since he first entered the Council in the year 1903, he has served on most, if not all, of the important committees of the Corporation. For the past sixteen years he has continuously represented the Liswerry Ward, and on the 9th November, 1918, he was unanimously elected Mayor of Newport for the ensuing year. He is a Conservative in politics, and in 1882 married Alice, daughter of the late Inspector Turner, formerly of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company, and subsequently under the Great Western Railway Company. His only son - Second Lieut. Norman Parfitt - was decorated by the King with the Military Cross, since when a bar has been added thereto. He also has five daughters. Like his predecessor, the Mayor is a Wesleyan Methodist, and in days gone by he was a keen follower of hounds, and with a good conveyance under him usually rode fairly straight, especially with the Llangibby pack, in the days of the late Mr. John Lawrence, M.F.H. He has had an unusually busy year of office, especially in representing the borough in receiving and entertaining the local prisoners of war on their return, likewise the reception of the troops on their arrival. He naturally took the lead in the matter of the official Peace celebrations, which were carried through with marked success. Address : 29 Fields Road.
