Islands People

Deaths of Islands People

T. T. Suatipatipa II Tuiaana Tuimalealiifano Suatipa tipa 11, Deputy Head of State in Western Samoa, died on July 24, aged 67. Except for a brief period, he was the only deputy to the Head of State since Western Samoa be came independent in 1962.

He was educated by the Marist Brothers in Western Samoa, and in New Zealand. He succeeded to his father’s title in 1952, and in 1954 married Taalefili Sooaemalelagi. He was elected to the Council of Depu ties in 1962 and re-elected in 1968.

Outside his official life, he was a senior deacon of the Congregational Christian Church for the Aana District.

He leaves a widow, five daughters and five sons.

An official period of mourning followed his death, during which government offices and private busi nesses were closed.

Mr Goya Henry

Mr Goya Henry, aviation pioneer, shipsmaster, conversationalist, died in Manly, Sydney, in late July at the age of 73. He had two careers —in Australia and New Guinea. He was one of Australia’s early aero pioneers, with barnstorming flights in the 30s, including an unscheduled flight be neath Sydney Harbour Bridge. In New Guinea after World War II he was a colourful master of coastal smallships, and widely known and liked, especially in the Sepik. A magazine story on some of his ex ploits will appear in next issue of

Pim.

Mr Francis Hagai The untimely death following a motor accident on Bougainville in July of Francis Hagai ended the career of a leading Bougainville per sonality. Only 36, but he had done much to draw attention to the early dissatisfaction of the Buka people on Bougainville with the neglect of the then Administration. He was one of the leaders, until his death, of the Hahailis Welfare Society, which ex pounded commune living and a do it-yourself approach, in opposition to the government in the 1960’5.

He was one of those who went to gaol for his beliefs, later to be re leased on a technicality and be ac claimed by his supporters and won new strengths. There is no doubt that because of the activities of Hagai,

and John Teosin, more government aid and attention was given to Buka —and the government also saw clearly the results of its neglect on smaller communities.

Francis Hagai was educated at St Joseph’s, Rigu, and became a Catholic mission teacher before establishing the welfare society and falling out with the church.

He was given the funeral of a clan chief.

Dr M. Sapolu Dr Maka Sapolu, leader of the tuberculosis eradication project in Western Samoa, died recently at Apia, aged 56. He graduated from the Central Medical School, Suva, in 1944. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Dr S. M. Tapani Dr Sione Mangisi Tapani, of Ha’avakatolo, died in Tonga in July after a short illness, aged 58. He attended the Central Medical School, Suva, and in 1938 became a Native Medical Practitioner. He served in every district in Tonga before retir ing on health grounds in December, 1970. In retirement he was active in church and community affairs.

Mr M. T. Khan Mr Mohammed Tahir Khan, Registrar-General and Registrar of Titles in Fiji, died recently in Suva, aged 58. He was educated at schools in Fiji, the Punjab University and New Zealand, where he completed a law degree. He held a number of appointments in the Fiji civil service.

He was active in soccer administra tion. He leaves a widow and three sons.

Mrs W. Reddy Mrs Wardamma Reddy, a promi nent social worker at Nadi for many years, died recently, aged 80. She helped to build temples at Nadi. She was president of the South Indian Women’s Association of Fiji for several years.

Mr C. D. Brownhill Mr Clive Douglas Brownhill, a director of W. R. Carpenter Holdings Ltd, died recently, aged 77. His father, Mr D. J. Brownhill, was a director of the original W. R. Car penter Co, and his son succeeded him on his death.

Sitiveni Lauhingoa

Sitiveni Lauhingoa, 21, a Hihifo Rugby player, was drowned when his team, the Tongatapu inter-district champions, was returning' from Vavau. He apparently tried to dis embark from the Olovaha by the stern mooring line, slipped, fell into the water and disappeared. His body was found next morning.