Frederick Ernest Syddall (died 5 May 1934) was a British-born Western Samoan businessman and politician. He was a member of the first Legislative Council from 1920 until 1923.

Fred E. Syddall
Member of the Legislative Council
In office
1920–1923
Personal details
BornManchester, United Kingdom
Died5 May 1934 (aged 72)
Tuvao, Western Samoa
ProfessionBusinessman, architect

Biography edit

Originally from Manchester, Sydddall moved to Western Samoa from South America in 1894.[1] He began farming in Felefa district and worked for the H.J. Moors trading firm.[2] He briefly moved to Fiji, before returning to Samoa and opening his own store in Apia,[2] before taking over the Tuvoa banana and cocoa plantation.[1] He was also an architect.[3]

In December 1919 he was invited by Governor Robert Ward Tate to join an Advisory Council, formed as a precursor to the Legislative Council due to be formed the following year.[4] He was subsequently appointed as one of the first group of 'unofficial' members alongside Alfred Tattersall and Arthur Keeling.[5] He held office for three years,[1] and also served as a member of the Land and Titles Commission for a decade.[1]

Syddall died of a heart attack on 5 May 1934 at his Tuvao plantation, leaving a widow and six children.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Death of Samoan Pioneer Pacific Islands Monthly, August 1934, p19
  2. ^ a b Samoan affairs: Empty Treasury Auckland Star, 13 June 1934
  3. ^ Local and General Samoanische Zeitung, 1 September 1922
  4. ^ The Past Year's Record Samoanische Zeitung, 17 January 1920
  5. ^ Samoan constitution Dominion, 6 May 1920