SAMOA’S NEW ADMINISTRATOR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3771, 24 March 1928, Page 3

SAMOA’S NEW ADMINISTRATOR.

LIEUT.-COL. ALLEN APPOINTED

Wellington, March 23

The Prime Minister, the Hon. J. G. Coates, announced to-day that General Richardson will return to Wellington in April for consultation with the Government before proceeding to Geneva as one of the representatives of New Zealand before the Permanent Mandates Committee. The Premier said the Government wished to express appreciation of the conspicuous ability shown by General Richardson. The Government had appointed as the new Administrator, Lieut.-Colonel S. S. Allen, of Morrinspille, and until he takes over the duties, Col,onel Hutchen, the present Deputy Administrator, will act. The Government considered the new Administrator possessed the qualities of personality, tact, patience and firmness required of New Zealand’s Administration if its truesteeship is to be carried on without recourse to drastic measures. Mr. Coates detailed the activities of the Man fostered by Messrs Nelson, Gurr, Smyth and their associates and the efforts at conciliation by the Administration.

A DISTINGUISHED CAREER. Mr. Stephen Shepherd Allen, who will succeed Major-General Richardson as Administrator of Western Samoa, is the youngest son of Mr. C. W. Shepherd Allen, who at one time represented the electorate of Te Aroha in the House of Representatives. He is a lawyer by profession and enjoyed an outstanding career at Oxford University. On the outbreak of the war, Mr. Allen was a territorial officer attached to the 6th (Hauraki) Regiment. In 1915 he offered himself for active service, and joined up with the Auckland Regiment. He had a distinguished war record. In 1917 he was promoted to Lieut.-Colonel. In 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and in 1919 he had the honour of C.M.G. conferred on him. He was twice wounded. On returning to New Zealand he again showed a keen interest in military matters, and became attached to the 2nd Battalion Auckland Regiment as Lieut.-Colonel. ‘ln 1918 he married a daughter of Mr. A. j L. Foster, of Auckland. At the 1922 General Election Mr. Allen unsuccessfully contested the Ohinemuri seat against Mr. H. Poland.