West Samoan Leader Dies

After Long Illness

Tupua Tamasese Meaole, Joint Head of State of Western Samoa ice its independence in January, 1962, died in Apia on April 5. ; was buried in the burial ground of kings at Tiafau the following >y-

MASESE’S death had been ex pected. He had been ill for 15 ths with cancer and tuberculosis had twice visited NZ for treat illowing his death, Tamasese’s lay in state at his home and at Government House, Vailima, Stevenson’s old home above lading the procession to Vailima the surviving Head of State, etoa Tanumafili, the Prime Min , Fiame Mataafa, and Cabinet. [ter lying-in-state at Vailima, asese’s body was taken to the lolic Cathedral at Mulivai, where hem Mass was conducted by op Pearce, before the cortege ed off along the final mile long for Tiafau. The route was I with mourners. t the burial ground Bishop Pearce lucted the final rites and Prime ister Mataafa made an oration re the coffin was interred in the Tamasese vault. amasese was 57. He is survived ais wife, the Masiofa Irene, two >hters and two sons.

Title Decision amasese’s death has sparked off ulation as to who might now ive the title. His two brothers, ai’a Europa and Taimalie Mea , and his two sons, Efi, recently n the high title of Tufuga, and , are strongest claimants, but the

title could conceivably go anywhere within the family.

An important voice in the selection of the new title holder lies with the Minister of Education, Tuatagaloa

Te’o. He is the highest titled chief of Falefa and Salani, which villagers have a strong say as the birthplace of the late Tamasese’s mother.

“Sometimes the new title holder might be decided in a few weeks; sometimes it might take a year or more,” said a local authority on Samoan custom in April. Usually, however, with an important title like this, it is not dragged out too long.

The surviving Head of State, Malietoa, should soon be moving from his present house at Pilot Point up to Vailima to occupy Government House.

See "Tamasese: Architect of West Samoan Independence", p. 41.

The funeral procession of Tupua Tamasese passing through Apia.

Photo: Leonard Goodman.