RICHMOND, MATHEW (1801-87) was the son of Major Richmond (of Kilmarnock, Scotland) and of the Scots Greys. His father having died in 1808, he entered the Royal Military College (1814), but left in 1817 and went to South Africa. In 1820 he received his commission as ensign in the Cape Corps, from which he transferred in the following year to the 11th Regiment of Foot. (Lieutenant 1823; captain 1826; to 96th Regiment 1839; major 1841.) He served in Canning's expedition to Portugal in 1828-29 and in the Ionian islands (1829-38). While acting as resident in the island of Paxo, he earned the reputation of a just, mild and efficient administrator, and a man of moral habits and clear judgment. He received a gold medal on leaving and was farewelled by the Regent, the bishop and other high dignitaries. Richmond then went to New Brunswick as deputy-judge-advocate, and from there with his regiment to New South Wales.

In June 1840 he was appointed one of the commissioners to examine claims to land in New Zealand. He was in Wellington at the time of the Wairau affair (1843) and maintained order and control in the whole district of New Munster. On 12 July he was appointed chief police magistrate for the Southern division, and a few months later Superintendent of the Southern Division (1 Feb 1844). In this capacity Richmond had onerous and trying duties to perform for several settlements, including Nelson and Wellington, which demanded all his tact and courtesy. During the outbreaks in Wellington in 1845 he was commanding the forces. Having retired from the army he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Wellington militia battalion (23 Jul 1845) and had charge of the disposition of the militia and volunteer forces until the arrival of the regular troops.

In 1847, Eyre having arrived as lieutenant governor, Richmond proceeded as resident magistrate to Nelson. In 1848 he was deputed by Governor Grey to arrange the details of the purchase of 40,000 acres of native lands at Wanganui. In 1853 he retired from his post as magistrate, and in the same year was called to the Legislative Council as a recognition of 'the highly important services he had rendered to the local government for many years, during which very arduous duties had devolved upon him.' He remained a member until his death, being chairman of committees for some years (1865-79). He was commissioner of crown lands for Nelson (1853-58). (C.B. 1860.) Richmond died on 5 Mar 1887.

G.B.O.P., 1844, xxii/556; 1845/131; 1846/337: 1847/763, 892; N.Z.P.D., 1853-87; N.Z. Gaz., 1845 et seq; Cowan; Ward (p); Broad; Buick, Marlborough; The Colonist, 24 Mar 1887. Portrait: Nelson Evening Mail, 11 Dec 1926; Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 123

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