Tribute to Tahitian Lady

Death of Mrs. A. C. Rowland

From a Special Correspondent A LARGE section of the people of Papeete (Tahiti) assembled on April 3, when lovable Teriitauatea Temeriraurii Adams (Mrs. A. C. Row land), grand-daughter of Puhiava, Chief of Opoa, Raiatea (Leeward Islands), was buried. Mrs. Rowland’s mother was descended from the hereditary chiefs of Tumaraa, in Raiatea.

A few words were said over Mrs. Row land’s grave, on behalf of the Tahitian population, present in large numbers.

The short speech was as follows: — “Lovable Tauatea! We cannot lay your body in this grave without saying ‘good-bye’, and how much we miss you.

Our hearts want to speak—to say, again, how much you were loved, and why you were loved. You were good, and kind, and always helped the needy.

“Who in Oceania did not know and love you? You were one of our chief supports—you were always kind to others. Never the poor or the sorrow ful went to you for aid and sympathy, 'in vain.

“The old people were your friends; the young and the children were as your own; and now you are gone, all young and old, the healthy, the sick, and the solitary, mourn your death, because they all miss you. We no longer will see you, no longer meet you, no longer talk to you.”

Then, turning to the bereaved hus band, the speaker added; “You have been a model husband, worthy of such a mate. In all deeds of charity you were together. In this great sorrow, the only consolation wo can offer you is that we weep with you. We can see what your life will be, bereft of such a companion, and to you, facing that lonely future, we wish to say that our memorial to your deceased wife will be a greater kmdness to all, and an even more sympathetic feeling toward you.”

Mrs. M. Hunt, wife of Mr. E. Hunt of the Registrar General’s Department, Fiji died on June 14, aged 59.