Death Of A Royal Raiatean,

Aged 86

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, May, 20.

THE death occurred at Ra’iatea, on April 14. 1939, at the great age of 86, of Mrs. Mary Tehaameamea Higgins, daughter of the late Edward

Lassetter and wife of the late Steven Higgins.

Mrs. Higgins was born at Ra’iatea, May 25, 1853. Her mother was one of a family of highest rank in the royal Opoa Clan, of Ra’iatea.

It is said that long ago—because of the royal rank of her maternal ancestry—the crown of Ra’iatea was once offered to Mrs. Higgins. She would not accept it.

Although she never reigned as Queen, she reigned through the years in the hearts of the people of her native is land. Her unselfish service and unfailing kindness were constant. She was married to Mr. Steven Higgins, a native of Maine, U.S.A., on September 22, 1871. Their children and grandchildren form one of the leading and most respected family groups in French Oceania.