SAMOAN OFFICIAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22000, 5 January 1935, Page 10

SAMOAN OFFICIAL

DEATH OF MR. R. WILLIAMS

* LONG PERIOD OF SERVICE The occurred at his residence, Wharekoe, Devonport, yesterday of Mr. Richard William*, who for 30 years was an outstanding figure in the Pacific Islands. Mr. Williams, who was bom in Dublin 76 years ago, became administrator of the Island of Savaii, Samoa, in 1893, under the British regime and prior to the occupation by Germany. His able and sympathetic administration so appealed to the German Colonial Office that, although he was a British subject, he was allowed to retain that post under German rule. He officially visited Berlin every three years until Samoa was taken over under the present mandate to the New Zealand Government. Mr. Williams retired in 1921.

'Ville-amu," as he was affectionately called by the natives, made the happiness and welfare of the Samoan people his one concern.. He was a man of great qualities, and must take rank with those who have helped to build the Empire. His intimate knowledge of the Samoan people and understanding of their problems made him invaluable to both the British and German Colonial Offices. For his work in conjunction with some of the most eminent Berlin specialists for the elimination of island diseases he was made a hellow of the Royal Geographical society of Great Britain. His nomination was proposed by the Earl of Meath and seconded by the late Lord Kosebery.

Mr. Williams had a large circle of friends in New Zealand, which he frequently visited, and in other parts of the world. He was an original member of the Masonic Lodge Ara, Irish Constitution, and was one of the oldest members of the Auckland Racing Club, racing being a sport in which he showed keen interest. In 1922 he married Miss L. Roberts, of Little Penrose, Pakuranga, who survives him.