SAMOA’S LOSS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 35, 4 May 1927, Page 10

SAMOA’S LOSS

DEATH OF MR. H. S. GRIFFIN MAN OF LOFTY IDEALS “Samoa, and especially the native race, is deeply indebted to him.” The death of Mr. H. S. Griffin, Secretary of Native Affairs in the mandated territory, recalls the words of Major-General Sir George Richardson in his speech to the Legislative Assembly on March 18. Mr. Griffin died at his residence, St. Heliers Bay, on Monday, at the age of 50 years. STUDIED THE COUNTRY His bond of affection with Samoa had been strong for many years. A compositor in the South Canterbury town of Waimate, he was inspired by a desire for missionary service when a young man, and was given charge of the London Missionary Society’s printing works in Samoa 27 years ago. He became recognised as an authority upon the language and customs of the people, then under German rule. Valuable assistance to the New Zealand forces was given by Mr. Griffin at the outbreak of war. At the request of Colonel Tait, the first Administrator, Mr. Griffin accepted the office of commissioner at the island of Savaii, and in 1921, after nine months of able and tireless work, became Secretary for Native Affairs under Major-Gen-eral Richardson. In this position he performed much valuable service and came to be highly regarded by the Samoans. ADMINISTRATOR’S EULOGY In his speech to the Legislative Assembly, Major-General Richardson said: “For the past two years Mr. Griffin has suffered and struggled bravely against a physical weakness, which, through the worries involved in the administration of the most important and difficult department to control , in this territory, resulted in a serious breakdown in his health, and necessitated his going to New Zealand for special treatment. “As one who came into daily contact with Mr. Griffin for the past four years, I know him to be a most loyal and sincere man, inspired by high ideals of duty, unselfishness and devotion to the principle of service to others. Mr. Griffin not only made his mark of good influence during his former service with the missions in these islands, but he has since established a system of efficient and very sympathetic administration of the Native Department which he controlled.” Twice Mr. Griffin brought Samoan chiefs to Auckland, the last time in January, when the Duke and Duchess of York were here. He arrived in a low state of health and was admitted to a private hospital. The funeral was held at Hillsborough cemetery this afternoon.