OBITUARY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23616, 28 March 1940, Page 11

OBITUARY

SIP,' RICHARD SQUIRES ' NEWFOUNDLAND STATESMAN ST. JOHN'S, March 26The death has occurred of Sir Richard Anderson Squires, barrister and solicitor and twice Prime Minister of Newfoundland. ' Bichard Anderson Squires was born at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in January, 1880. Admitted a solicitor in 1902, he practised until he was called to the Bar in 1911. Meanwhile he had been elected a member of the Legislature and in 1914 was made Minister of Justice and Attorney-General and became a member of the Legislative Council.. Then after 'a year as Colonial

Secretory he was elected lender of the Liberal Party ill 1919 and made Prima Minister. Sir Richard's work toward improving the Imperial bond was recognised in. 1921 by the award of a knighthood (K.C.M.G.). During his Premiership, which ended in 1923. he devoted all his efforts with remarkable success to ths large-scale development of the timber, paper, water-power and mineral resources and industries of the colony. He was afterward Master of the Supremo Court of Newfoundland, but in 1928 became Premier again. Sir Richard again visited England in October. 1930, to attend the Imperial Conference the youngest Premier there. Soon aftor his return unemployment began to affect the fishing and lumber industries. Gradually discontent became grave and various charges were freely made against Sir Richard and his fellow Ministers. In April, 1932, some thousands of men suddenly attacked Parliament House with the idea of forcing Sir Richard to resign. For some hours the Ministers were besieged. The mob held possession of the surrounding streets and did much damage. Sir Richard and liis wife were both injured in escaping from the building. He declined, however, to resign. In June a general electiou resulted in tho overwhelming defeat of his party.