Fijian Chief

Death Of Notable

From Our Own Correspondent.

SUVA, June 20.

THE death occurred at Rewa on June 13 of Ratu Joni Mataitini, a high chief of the Province of Rewa, and one of the most highly respected chiefs of the Colony.

Ratu Joni was 70, having been born on April 13, 1865, coming from a long line of hereditary chiefs of Fiji. He had a long career in the Government service, and for a number of years was one of the repre sentatives of his people in the Legislative Council. He started on January 1, 1890, as a clerk to the Chief Medical Officer, at the same time acting as a native medical practitioner. In 1898 he was appointed a native inspector of police, and in 1904 he became Roko Tui Rewa. In 1913 he was transferred back to the Medical Depart ment, and on June 2, 1924, was appointed a native member of the Legislative Coun cil. On November 12 of the same year he was appointed assistant to the Native Lands Commissioner, an important post.

In September. 1926, he became a member of the Council of Chiefs at the same time being appointed a member of the Native Regulation Board. He was reappointed a member of the Legislative Council on January 1, 192§, and returned to the post of Roko Tui Rewa. He resigned on August 31, 1931, and had been living in retirement since. A son, Ratu Etuate Mataitini, who is at present Buli Rewa, survives him.

The funeral, which was attended by the Governor (Sir Murchison Fletcher) and other Government officials, was marked by picturesque native rites, including the presentation of tabua (whales’ teeth) and yaqona roots to the visitors, as well as the ceremonial making and drinking of yaqona (kava). The way to the grave was spread with tapa cloth and mats, and the coffin itself was wrapped in mats and tapa. As is usual with high chiefs, Ratu Joni was accorded military honours. The Rev. R.

L. McDonald, of the Methodist Mission, conducted the funeral service.