DEATH OF CHIEF.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 43, 20 January 1936, Page 5

DEATH OF CHIEF.

PROMINENT SAMOAN. A leading Samoan chief, Toomata gelu Le’auanae, whose life was closely linked with the history of Samoa under three Governments, died on December 26 at Papauta after a Jong illness. He was 85 years old. He bore one of the leading tulafale (spokeman and orator) titles of the island of Savaii. Born m Savaii in 1850, he received his education and early training at the training centre of the London Missionary Society at Malua. He was selected from among four Malua graduates to be the assistant of Dr G. A. Turner, believed to be Samoa’s first medical man, who was connected with the London Mission. Anae, as he was shortly called, possessed a thorough knowledge of the English and German languages, and lie was; interpreter during the stirring days before the Tripartite Government was founded. In this capacity he saw continuous service under tne three Powers, the German and the New Zealand Governments. Anae spoke English fluently. He had travelled extensively in the Pacific and had visited Sydney. He was a deeply religious man and was the representative of all that is best in- the Polynesian race. Being thoroughly versed in the customs, traditions, and history of Samoa, lie was able to render outstanding service in the very ipiportant position he held. Service given to the German Administration was recognised by the Imperial German Government granting Anae a life pension, he being the only Samoan so distinguished. The New Zealand Administration lias also kept in close touch with him and valued his advice. His funeral at Papauta was attended by a large gathering of Europeans and Samoans, the' acting Administrator, Mr A. C. Turnbull, being among those present. With the death of Anae one of the most distinguished sons of Samoa and one of the few remaining links with historic old Samoa has passed.