Death Of Prominent Fijian
p. 53 · Read in the full issue
Minister
The Rev. Nacaniela Mataika
Suva. Oct. 11.
RATU, the Rev. Nacaniela Mataika minister of the Jubilee Church, Suva, the “cathedral” of Fijian Methodism, died at the Colonial War Memorial Hos pital on October 4, at the age of 65.
Ratu Nacaniela was born at the island of Nairai, and was of chiefly rank. He was ordained a minister of the Methodist Church 30 years ago and was stationed at Suva for several terms, the last being for nine years. He was a man of out standing ability, and a prominent figure in the Methodist Mission, his status be ing naturally enhanced by his rank as Tui Nairai —the principal chief in that island. For the last six years he had been one of the two Fijian nominated members of the Suva Town Board.
Ratu Nacaniela is survived by his wife and five children. One of his sons has gained high distinction at the Central Medical School.
The funeral was among the largest at Suva for very many years.