Skip to main content
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography logo

Haurongo: Richardson, George Spafford

George Spafford Richardson with high-ranking Samoan chiefs Malietoa Tanumafili II (left) and Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I.

Image
George Spafford Richardson with high-ranking Samoan chiefs Malietoa Tanumafili II (left) and Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I.
As administrator of Western Samoa from 1923 until 1928, Sir George Spafford Richardson worked with Samoan chiefs on the Legislative Council but remained largely ignorant of Samoan society and politics. Frustration at his attitude increased the support of ordinary Samoans for the Mau, a nationalist movement.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: PAColl-6348-03

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Ian McGibbon. 'Richardson, George Spafford', Ngā Tāngata Taumata Rau, i tāngia tuatahitia ki 1996. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/1725/george-spafford-richardson-with-high-ranking-samoan-chiefs-malietoa-tanumafili-ii (accessed 4 June 2026).