Islands People

Deaths of Islands People

Mr Bruce Palmer Mr Bruce Palmer, director of thej Fiji Museum from 1963 to 1973? died in Auckland on May 3 after 2 short illness. He had returned to NZ earlier this year after setting up s training course for the staff of islano museums at the East-West Centre; Honolulu.

Mr Palmer was responsible fon building the Fiji Museum into an internationally-recognised researcH institution. He did extensive researcH into Fijian archaeology and materiai culture, with emphasis on ceramics!

He also wrote extensively for scientific journals and books, he set up the museum education service, contributeo to school textbooks, and was co< author with Beth Dean of SoutH Pacific, a book covering cultures and cultural dances of the Islands.

The museum trustees recognised Mr Palmer’s work by appointing him honorary director emeritus.

He leaves a widow and three children.

Mr H. K. Uyehara Mr Harry K. Uyehara, who workec in the Trust Territory Governmen service for about 28 years, died sud denly on March 25, aged 56. He wa; TT Scholarship Officer in the Depart ment of Education. He was born ii Hawaii. Mr Uyehara is survived bj his wife and four children.

Mr S. Mahajan Mr Sukhu Mahajan, of Suva, one of the first Fiji Indians to accep l Christianity, died recently, aged 83 He was active in business, and was also interested in social work anc education.

Elder N. Olipa Elder Nathaniel Olipa, one of the best known high-ranking men o: North Ambrym, New Hebrides, diec recently, aged 45. As well as being a church elder he held several im portant positions in the community —chairman of the Ranon Priman School Committee, and a member o: the Ambrym District School Com mittee. He helped to set up the loca council of North Ambrym. Elde Olipa leaves a widow and fiv< children.