SIR GEORGE RICHARDSON.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17383, 20 April 1928, Page 8

SIR GEORGE RICHARDSON.

WELCOMED BY EX-SOLDIERS.

TRIBUTES IN WELLINGTON,

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Friday.

A large gathering of returned soldiers, with pleasant recollections of Sir George Richardson’s solicitude for the Diggers when in charge of the New Zealand military headquarters in London, assembled at the R.S.A. Clubroom yesterday to welcome him hack from Samoa.

The president, Colonel Hall, referred to Sir G. Richardson's high ideals, as shown by his organisation of an educational scheme for the benefit of New Zealand soldiers in hospital in England and waiting repatriation. No doubt the same ideals had actuated him in his work in Samoa, where he had endeavoured to improve the condition of the natives. They felt that, Samoa had been honoured in having a man of his experience and uprightness to control tl)c affairs of the mandalod terrifory and develop the mental outlook of the natives and the natural resources of his country. Sir G. Richardson, in his reply, spoke of the difficulties peculiar to Samoa, and referred to the improvements effected by the. Administration in the development of the Islands and in health matters. Samoa had progressed considerably under the mandat?, and the Mandatory Commission had eulogised the work done. Personally he was satisfied that he had done his work thoroughly and he had no hesitation in saying that the policy of the New Zealand Administration was sound.