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RICHARDSON, GEORGE FREDERICK (1837-1909) was born at Cheltenham, England, his father being Dr F. H. Richardson (q.v.). Educated at the Rev Alexander Watson's school, he came to New Zealand by the Dominion in 1851, finished his education at Dunedin, and spent some years on his father's run in Southland. In 1860 he entered the Government service, qualifying as a surveyor under James McKerrow. On the separation of Southland he joined the staff of that province under Heale, but shortly resigned his appointment to become town surveyor at Invercargill, with the right of private practice. After the reunion he was entrusted by Otago with the surveys of the district west of Mataura. During this time he farmed at Oaklands and, as surveying shrank with the development of the province, he gave more attention to public affairs. He was a member of the road board and chairman of the Southland county council (1876-84). In 1884 he was elected to Parliament for Mataura, which he represented until 1893 and again from 1896 till 1898. Richardson was Minister of Lands and Immigration in the Atkinson Government (1887-91), of Mines (1887-89) and of Agriculture (1889-91). During his retirement from Parliament 1893-96 he returned to his profession and established the firm of Richardson, Reardon and Co., Invercargill. In 1902 he again entered the Government service as computer in the Lands and Survey department and later was technical assistant to the land purchase commissioners. He was a member of the Institute of Surveyors for many years and president 1895-98, 1900-07 and finally in 1909. He was a man of high integrity, well-informed and witty. Richardson married (1867) Augusta, daughter of Thomas J. White (Invercargill). He died on 25 Oct 1909.

N.Z.P.D., 26 Oct 1909; Cycl. N.Z., i (p); Who's Who N.Z., 1908; Beattie, ii; N.Z. Surveyor, Dec 1909. Portrait: Parliament House.