MANY TRIBUTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 137, 13 June 1938, Page 9

MANY TRIBUTES.

SIR GEORGE'S WORK. "MONUMENT OF SERVICE." HE WAS SOLDIERS' FRIEND. "Any man who passes away leaving behind him that same monument of service will not leave many regrets," declared the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, in paying a tribute to the late Sir George Richardson—one of man; 1 such tributes, all of which testified to the great ability, syni[*ithy and enthusiasm which Sir George gave to his many activities. "All will agree that he gave wonderful service, not only 011 matters of defence and in the control of troops during the war, but aNo in the civil sphere as well," said Mr. Savage. "Sir (icorjie had a wkV> military experience and he came out of it with flying colours, loved by the men over whom he was called upon to serve. In the civil sphere, not only as Administrator of Samoa, but also in local body activities, he performed his duties with distinction, and I am sure that I am expressing the wish and feelings of the Government and people of New Zealand when 1 extend to Lady Richardson our sincere sympathy in her bereavement." "Incentive to Youth." "His distinguished career, <2ue to native intelligence and character rather than to the advantages of fortune and inherited position, may well be an 'incentive to the youth of his adopted country, as it i-< a source of satisfaction to his friends," declared Sir AniVew Russell, G.O.C. the New Zealand Division in Prance from l!tl.~>. "Whether in uniform or since retirement, Sir George was ever anxious for the welfare of others. His kindly heart could never refuse anyone who needed help or advice. His epitaph might well be 'The Soldier's Friend.' "

"As far as the returned! soldiers are concerned, we have lost our greatest friend," said' Mr. J. W. Kendall, president of the Auckland Returned Soldiers" Association. "It did not matter wlicr. lie was called upon for either material assistance or fldivice. he was always willing to do everything he could for the returned men. Sir George has been our patron for several years and every man holds him in the greatest esteem."

The passinjr of "a lifelong frioml and esteemed colleague" was referred to by the Mayor, Sir Kniest Davis, who yesterday, in comixniy with La<l v Davis, railed. 011 Lidy Richardson to express personal condolences and those of the city. Sir Ernest sflid, however, that he preferred to leave his public tribute for expression at a s|vecial meeting of the City Council at 5 p.m. to-day. Invitations to attend the specinl meeting have been extended to councillors who formerly sat in council with Sir George and also to the Officer Commanding the Northern Command audi the president of the Returned Soldiers' Association. A tribute wars also paid by Miss Edith M. Statliam. honorary inspector of war "raves for the U.S.A.. who referred to the work of Sir George in that respect. Tt. was largely due to him. she said, that tlio work was undertaken and carried on. Funeral Arrangements. At his funeral tomorrow at Waikumoto Cemetery he will be given full military honours. A service is to be h"ld at. St. Mary's Cathedral at 2 p.m.. and when the funeral leaves the Hair-draped coffin will be carried on a horse-drawn yiin carriage and escorted bv senior officers acting as pallbearers. The eoflin will be borne from the church by two members of the Old Contemptiblos" Association and four representatives of the Returned Soldiers' Association. The coffin is to bo transferred from the gun carriage to a hearse at Xewmarket. Sir George will be buried in the soldiers' plot, where ex-servicemen of all ranks are interred. Volleys will be fired at the graveside and the "Last l'o.st" will also be sounded.