Fijian chiefs and their people from different respective villages from all over Fiji gathered at the chiefly island of Bau where they paid their last respects to Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau to mark the end of the mourning period.
According to a The Fiji Times article on November 12, 1973. He died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva in June after a short illness.
Ratu Sir Edward was a high-ranking chief of Bau, was Fiji’s first Deputy Prime Minister and a distinguished statesman, leader and soldier.
Chiefs presenting tabua, yaqona and food at the ceremonies spoke of Ratu Sir Edward’s accomplishments and urged unity among the Fijian people.
Those directly responsible to Bau swore allegiance to the chiefs of Bau.
The Bau chiefs, represented by Ratu Tevita Naulivou, received the gifts.
The ceremonies were held in brilliant sunshine on the picturesque rara (village green) of the tiny island overshadowed by the historic navatanitawake (meeting house) at one end and the Methodist Church King Cakobau built at the other side.
People from most provinces in the dominion began presenting tabua and food. During the presentations of gifts and pigs, live turtles were the dominant of the lot.
Most of them made their presentations on Saturday where pigs and live turtles dominated the presentations.
The loud squeals of pigs echoed throughout the island during the day.
Those who took part in the main part of the ceremony to lift the mouring were Adi Litia Tavanavanua, Ratu Sir Edward’s cousin of Bau; Adi Vasemaca, his widow; the Tui Nakelo, Adi Litia Waqanaweni; Princess Melenaite, wife of Ratu Sir Edward’s’ nephew, the Premier of Tonga: Adi Lady Lala Mara wife of the Prime Minister and his eldest son Ratu Viliame Dreunamisimisi.
Ratu Viliame presented the last tabua at the end of the ceremonies to thank the people for taking part in the ceremony.
