Deaths

Nancy Adin of Maewo at Port Vila Central Hospital, after a long illness.

Before the Anglican Church became independent, Nancy had been a teacher on her island of Maewo while also working as a member of the Mothers Union.

Later she attended the Malmaluan Theological College in PNG and returned to teach at Torgil mission school an Ambae.

She became ill in 1979 and was sent to Australia for treat ment in 1984.

Despite her illness, Nancy continued to carry out some of her duties and was particularly active in women’s organisa tions.

Hari Charan, well known Fiji personality died at Auckland.

Mr Charan’s professional life as a teacher and lawyer will have touched many hundreds of Fiji residents.

Born at Nausori in 1906, Mr Charan taight for ,many years at Natabua and Suva. He was the founder of the Deenban

dhoo High School, now the Indian College.

He also found time to both study and practice law, being associated with the legal prac tice of Mr A IN. Deoki, MLC for many years in Suva.

He migrated with his family to New Zealand in the 1960’s and taught there at the Wesley College until his retirement.

His Auckland funeral was attended by many people with Fiji connections.

Tugaga Maulalo, a judge of the Western Samoan Land and Titles Court, died at his home, reportedly from a heart attack.

Before joining the judiciary, judge Tugaga served in parlia ment as representative for Safune, Savaii.

Motu’apuaka Tonga’s leading matapule (talking chief) was buried at the Mala’e Lahi ceme tery at Te’ekiu.

He died in Seattle, Washing ton, USA and his body was flown home and carried to his people at the Te’ekiu estate for funeral services and the traditio nal pongipongi ceremony.

Born in Neiafu, Vava’u in 1910 and christened Sione

Alaipulotu, Motu’apuaka was educated at Tonga College where he began a distinguished career as a poet, musician and composer.

He was formally installed by the late queen Salote Tupou 111 to the Motu’apuaka matapule title and estate in 1944 on the death of his father, ’lnoke Tu’alau Motu’apuaka.

The matapule title gave him the right to sit at the king’s right and to direct the taumafa cere mony during the traditional royal installation.

The highlight of his matapule career was in 1967 when he directed the taumafa ceremony at the coronation of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.

His funeral service was attended by the Prince Regent Fatafehi Tu’ipelehake, Princess Melenaite, Prince Lavaka-ata, Princess Nanasipau’u, Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Baron Tuita of ’Utungake as well as politicians, family and friends.

His son Soakai was accom panying the king on his Asia- European tour as security officer.