Islands People

Deaths of Islands People

Sgt-Major Merire, BEM

Sergeant-Major Merire, BEM, who retired from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in 1967, died recently at Morobe. He was de scribed as one of the finest nco’s in the force. In World War II he showed tenacity and courage, which won him honours, promotion and a place in PNG’s history. Sergeant- Major Merire, who was buried with police honours, leaves a widow and eight children.

Mrs T. S. Valai Tupou Seini Valai, eldest daughter of Tongan noble, the late S. L. P.

Vaea, and Kalo, died recently, ageda 85. She married Valai Tupou, who predeceased her. She is survived by seven children. She was buried in the family vault at Utulangivaka Ceme tery, Houma.

Mr. A. F. Bywater-Lutman Mr Adrian Frederick Bywater-Lut man, known as Ponto, died recently at Nukualofa, aged 60. He was born in England and educated in New Zealand. After a long naval career, which included service in World War 11, he went to Tonga as radio officer for the government, retiring in 1968.

Mr. F. Stock Mr Frank Stock, a former postal official in the Colonial Service, died recently at Malton, Yorkshire, aged 71. He was postmaster at Tulagi for 14 years before transferring to Fiji in 1941.

Mrs Violet McCoy Mrs Violet McCoy, the last to bear the name McCoy on Pitcairn Island, died recently, aged 59. She was an Australian. She married Mr Floyd McCoy, a Pitcairner, in Auckland, in 1941. Soon after Mr McCoy re turned to Pitcairn with his wife. After his death in 1963, she corresponded with many of his radio “ham” con tacts and acquaintances, and built up a stamp business which she operated till her death.

The Hon Fusitu'a Tonga’s longest serving noble, the Hon Fusitu’a, died on October 15 at the age of 65. He was one of the three nobles of Niuafcou Island (Tin Can Island), receiving his title in 1929 when only 21 years old.

He is survived by his wife Pisila.