not be returning to his post, it was announced yesterday.

Mr. Richardson, who was recovering from a third major operation in less than five years, decided that it was in the best interests of Government and himself to retire, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said.

In a two-page statement, Sir John called Mr. Richardson's recent recovery "nothing short of miraculous'' and he praised the veteran civil servant's performance as Cabinet Secretary for the past 10 years.

He said Mr. Richardson, who had worked closer with him than any other civil servant, brought an image and background of "being able to deal with people of all backgrounds and races'' to the Cabinet Secretary post.

"He has an ease of manner that translates well up and down the social scale,'' Sir John said. "He was, without fail, always courteous, helpful and scrupulously fair with all those whom he had to deal.

"He has been able to earn the trust and respect of both the trade union movement and management and members of all three political parties for his knowledge, honesty, integrity, courtesy and his generosity of spirit.'' Noting that Mr. Richardson spent most of his career at the centre of Government, Sir John said: "His knowledge of Government is like an encyclopaedia and he was highly respected by his colleagues for that''.

Mr. Richardson started his career in the public service in 1964 as a secondary school teacher.

He served in the Colonial Secretary's Office before going abroad to complete post-graduate studies.

Upon his return Mr. Richardson worked in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs where Sir John was the Minister.

Between 1974 and 1983, he was a prominent figure in the settling of very serious industrial disputes.

Sir John also said he hoped that Mr. Richardson would continue to help Bermuda.

And Mr. Richardson, when contacted last night, said: "I would hope that I can continue to help Bermuda in a less strenuous way''.

He said he was one of the "fortunate'' civil servants who enjoyed all of his time as a civil servant.

His successor will be named after the Public Service Commission submits to the Premier a list of civil servants qualified for the post and Sir John makes a recommendation from that list to the Governor.

Until then Mr. Leopold Mills was expected to continue as acting Cabinet Secretary.