Distinguished Samoan

Chief Death of Le'auanae, Interpreter Under Three Governments

From Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Jan. 3.

DURING the Xmas holidays, on Decem ber 26, Toomata Selu Le’auanae, a leading Samoan chief, whose life was closely linked with the history of old and modern Samoa under three Governments, died at Papauta after a long illness at the age of 84.

Le’auanae, who bore one of the leading tulafale (spokesman and orator) titles of the island of Savaii, was born there in 1850, and received his education and early train ing at the London Missionary Society’s school at Malua. As a particularly apt scholar he was selected from among four Malua graduates to be assistant to Dr. G.

A. Turner, believed to be Samoa’s first medical man, who was connected with the L.M.S., being born in Samoa as the son of Rev. G. Turner, who laboured at Malua from 1843 to 1882.

Possessing a thorough knowledge of the English and German languages, Anae (as he was called) later became interpreter during those stirring early days before the Tripartite Government was established.

In this capacity he saw continuous service under the Three Power, the German, and the New Zealand governments. Anae spoke English fluently, and was widely read, with a splendid knowledge of English history and world affairs.

He had travelled extensively through the Pacific, the adjacent island groups as far as New Caledonia, and to Sydney. He was a deeply religious man and a Bible student of no mean ability, but despite his wide knowledge and experience, exceptional for a native of Samoa, he remained humble and unostentatious in his manner. He was the representative of all that is best in the Polynesian race—a true patriot and a Christian gentleman.

Being thoroughly versed in the customs, traditions, and history of Samoa, he was able to render outstanding service in the very important position he held. The service given to the German Administra tion was recognised by the Imperial Ger man Government which granted him a life pension, he being the only Samoan so distinguished. Only recently the for mer German Governor, Dr. Solf, sent a message of goodwill and greetings to Anae. The New Zealand Administration also kept in close touch with him, and valued his advice.

His funeral at Papauta was attended by a large gathering of Europeans and Samoans and the Acting Administrator (Mr. A. C. Turnbull), who paid the de ceased an eloquent tribute. Pastor R.

Reye, of the Seventh Day Adventist Mis sion, officiated at the graveside, and the Samoan clergy of all the Protestant Mis sions took part in the service.

With Anae one of the most distinguish ed sons of Samoa and one of the few re maining links with the historic old times has passed away.

Guso, a Solomon Islander, reached Syd ney by the Niagara on January 25, after having completed a four years’ term at the Central Medical School at Suva, Fiji He is attached to the Seventh Day Ad ventist Mission in the Solomons