A Great Nauruan

Tribute to Daimon, A Chief For 42 Years

(Specially Written by Mr. W. A. New man, Administrator of Nauru) DAIMON, Head Chief of Nauru, who died on October 21, was born in the Ewa district about the year 1850 and, with the exception of two or three visits to Ocean Island, he had not during a long life of 80 years been away from his native land. Daimon was the only son of Audoa and Eda ganuwe. He had been married three times. By his first wife, Eibiaun, he had eight children —his eldest son, Deireragea, is the present Chief of Anibare district.

Daimon held the rank of Chief for about 42 years, a record for Nauruan service, and ten years ago, on the death of Auweieda, succeeded to the office of Head Chief of Nauru. Dai mon was not of the royal blood —out standing personality, bravery in battle and strength of character were the factors which contributed to his leader ship.

Daimon was a big man in every sense of the word. He was 6ft. 4in. in height—unusual for a Nauruan — and splendidly proportioned. As a lad he was noted for his strength and prowess. In the early days when—as the result, so it is said, of the in fluence of visiting traders—Nauru be came disrupted, when strife arose be tween the North and the South, and when firearms were introduced to a hitherto peaceful people, Daimon as sumed automatically the leadership of the Northern warriors.

Many are the stories of those stirring days, in which Daimon played such a valiant part. The folk songs of Nauru are rich with accounts of combats be tween the North and the South when lands, canoes, and other possessions became the spoil of war, and many a Southern family had reason to mourn for a victim to Daimon’s unerring marksmanship. But, happily, those days of warfare were not lasting.

In course of time, when better feel ings prevailed and a truce was called, no man behaved more magnanimously than Daimon.

With the introduction of civilisation, Daimon set a high standard of citizen ship. After the occupation of the Is land by the Germans in 1888, Daimon, with a smattering of “pidgin” English, was able to act as an intermediary be tween the German authorities and the tribes.

With the British occupation of Nauru in 1914, Daimon threw in his lot loyally with the new administrative body and, throughout the period of Mandatory control, he continued to render valuable and devoted service.

Daimon had a high sense of honour and a magnetic influence over his countrymen. With the difficult adminis trative problems which confront a community emerging from the primi tive stage, Daimon’s common sense and whole-hearted service gained him the grateful appreciation of the author ities.

In recent years Daimon suffered from a heart affection and he also was troubled by an old war wound, but his spirit remained strong and un checked. A few weeks before his death he attended the meeting of the Coun cil of Chiefs and took part in the proceedings. As usual he was driven to the meeting in his motor car.

By his courtesy and earnest service Daemon retained the respect of his countrvmen including. strangely enough, many who in the days when might was right fought in the oppos ing lines.

Daimon was accorded a public funeral, flags fluttered at half-mast and work was suspended. At the graveside the Administrator and the members of the Administration staff joined with the Chiefs and the Nau ruan community in paying respect to a great Nauruan.

In the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to know Daimon, he will live as long as memory lasts.