OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1922, Page 2

OBITUARY

CAPTAIN A. H. RICHARDS. The death is reported from Auckland last week of Captain A. H. Richards, until* recently a resident of Hokitika and district of many years standing, capably filling the position of Inspector of Mines for the district, until he retired on superannuation a few years ago. About two years ago deceased removed to tbe North Island settling down at Hamilton. Deceased was 7‘2 years of age He was born at Trethora Cottage, St Stephens. Cornwall. England in 18-70. He left Cornwall in 1866 for Australia by the s.s. “Great Britain,” and landed at Melbourne. In 1808 Mr Richards left Australia for the Auckland goldfields. He setted at the Thames where he worked in various mines, until 1878 when he went to the Ohineniuri goldfield. where he spent twelve months. Mr Richards then went to the tin fields on the east coast of Tasmania, where lie resided for four years. On his return to the Thames ho was appointed underground manager, under Mr T. B. Hicks, in the Caledonia mine. In 1889 he was appointed mine manager of the Just-in-Time gold mine at Kuaotuna. Mr Richards was elected a member of the Coromandel County Council in 1891, and held his seat until he accepted a position as Inspector of Mines. During his residence at Kunotunu. Air Richards had the supervision of the development of several mines; namely, the Irene, Maori Dream, Aorere, and others. He also took a lively interest in foothal and other sports, and was elected for three years in succession chairman of the public school committee. Mr Richards was a Freemason of many years standing, and was also a member of the Association of Australian Alining Engineers. Deceased was a very popular figure in all the mining- centres of the Coast for about 25 years, and many friends throughout the district will hear of his death with sincere regret. He leaves a widow to mourn her loss.