Old Samoa

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Death of 90-years-old High Chief Tuimalealiifano

From Our Own Correspondent

Apia, Nov. 4.

TpHE last prominent High Chief of the old Samoa of last century, Tuiaana Tuimalealiifano, who was one of the two Fautuas (Advisers) to the Administra tion, died peacefully in Apia Hospital on October 14, aged 90. For some time, he had been ailing, though recently he had attended meetings and dealt with busi

ness connected with his high office as Fautua.

When Robert Louis Stevenson came to Samoa in 1890, Tui, as the High Chief was familiarly known, was one of his best and staunchest friends and admir ers. The accompanying photograph, which is widely known, shows him along side the famous writer.

Tuimalealiifano was born about 1847.

The correct date is uncertain —at the beginning of this year he celebrated his “100th birthday” by distributing, in the Samoan fashion, fine mats to his family and friends, thus preparing for his ap proaching end. A son of High Chief Tuiaana Sualauvi, he was related by his descent to the Samoan royal houses of Malietoa and Tupua. His father died in 1871, and Tui succeeded to his title. In 1889, he was made Kovana Aana (Dis trict Governor of Aana) by the Samoan Government.

In 1909, under the German Administra tion, Tui joined Mataafa’s followers, dis claiming any connection with the agi tation of Lauati against the German Government. In 1915, after the New Zealand occupation, the Fautua, Tama sese Tupua, died, and Tui was appointed as his successor. During the height of the Man trouble, in April, 1928, Tui joined the Man movement and, in conse quence, was deprived of the office of Fautua, being succeeded by High Chief Mataafa Salanoa Muliufi. After the death of Mataafa last year and the visit of the “Goodwill” Mission, Tui was re

appointed Fautua.

Tuimalealiifano’s funeral took place at Mulinuu, burial place of the former Samoan kings. A large gathering of Europeans and Samoans assembled to pay their respects to the late High Chief, the last link with the old Samoa of history.

Among the mourners were the Acting Administrator (Mr. A. C. Turnbull), the

High Chief Tuimalealiifano, with R. L. Stevenson, the celebrated author.

Chief Judge (Mr. S. Morling), the Native Secretary (Mr. C. G. R. McKay) and other - leading officials. Other prominent figures were Hon. Malietoa Tanu, 0.8. E., High Chief Tamasese,' Mr. 0. F. Nelson, and the Faipule (members of the Samoan Parliament).

Rev. Phillips, of the London Mission ary Society, officiated at the graveside, and he was assisted by Rev. H. S. Per kins and Rev. G. Stallan, Speeches were delivered by the Acting Administrator (who gave an outline of the Chief’s life), Mr. 0. F. Nelson, Rev. Perkins, and others.