Last King Of Samoa

Death of High Chief Malietoa Tanumafili, O.B.E.

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, July 15.

Alt. Samoa is mourning the sudden death of the last holder of Samoa’s kingship of earlier days and a prominent figure in Samoa’s chequered political history for a generation—the Hon.

Malietoa Tanumafili, 0.8. E., Fautua (Ad viser) to the Administration for 26 years and a former member of the Legislative Council. He passed away at his residence at Fa’atoia on July 9, at the age of 59.

Malietoa was a member of a Royal Family which supplied many kings to Samoa. Born in 1880. he was educated at the London Missionary College at Malua and in Fiji. When his father, King Malietoa Laupepa, died in 1898, the 19years-old Prince was declared King by a judgment of Justice Chambers, later con firmed valid and binding by the joint commissioners of Great Britain, Germany and U.S.A. Bitter warfare between Malietoa’s supporters and the rival Mataafa faction followed, and in May, 1899, Malietoa relinquished his office.

The kingship of Samoa was abolished the following year when the German flag was hoisted over the Territory. Mataafa was given the new title of Alii Sili (Highest Chief), while young Malietoa went to Fiji for further education, re turning to Samoa in 1903. In 1910, the German Governor, Dr. Schultz, appointed Malietoa as Adviser to the Government, which position he occupied until the time of his death. He was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in 1929 and served for eight years.

In February, 1927, Malietoa headed a delegation of Samoan high chiefs to New Zealand to pay their respects to the Duke and Duchess of York (now King and Queen), who were visiting the Dominion.

In 1931, his loyal and devoted services were rewarded when he was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire.

As a direct descendant of Malietoa Vaiinupo, who in 1830 accepted Christian ity following a visit from Rev. John Williams, the first European missionary to Samoa, Malietoa Tanumafili was a staunch adherent of the L.M.S. He was aptly called a true Christian gentleman, and worked quietly and untiringly always for the good of his people. Unassuming and modest, he never abused the privi leges of his high rank.

Malietoa’s funeral took place on July 10, after a short service at Fuatoia village church. The long funeral procession, preceded by a uniformed Samoan brass band, was escorted by Samoan native police to Mulinu’u, resting place of so many of Samoa’s kings. A large gathering including the Acting-Administrator (Mr.

A. C. Turnbull). Chief Judge Harley. Hon.

Tamasese, members of the Faipule, and representative Europeans and Samoans, listened to an impressive service con ducted at the graveside by Rev. R. Bart lett, O.BJEJ., and Rev. H. Whyte, of the

L.M.S.

Malietoa left a widow, two daughters and two sons, of whom the eldest, Ati, at tends Paerata College, N.Z. The younger son. Joane, after some medical training and a short period in the Police Force, is at present in the Native Department.

High Chief Malietoa Tanumafili.

Hon. J. O. Mullaly, MI.C., has found it necessary to take over the personal management of Lingalinga plantation, near Talasea, New Guinea, formerly op erated by him in partnership with the late Mr. G. P. Myles Thompson; and, owing to his removal from the Rabaul district, he has resigned his position as a member of the Executive Council. He will retain his position on the Legislative Council.

Mr. E. Perkins, a New York mining engineer, who has been associated with New Caledonia’s metal industries for some years, arrived in Australia from San Francisco by the July “Mariposa”, on his way to Noumea,