A DEATH LIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 711, 10 July 1929, Page 1

A DEATH LIST

INTERESTING DOCUMENT FROM UPOLU, SAMOA MORE NON-CO-OPERATION? A list containing the names of Samoans who died in the months of May and June has been forwarded to Auckland. The list, which includes 78 names and which bears the signatures of two prominent Samoans, includes only those who died between Apia and Mulifanua. The list of those who died in the territory extending from Apia to Aleipata has not yet been compiled. It was claimed in a message from Pago Pago, on May 29, that an influenza epidemic had been raging in Samoa, that 72 deaths had been recorded and that there were then 1,300 cases of 'flu. There was some inference that the Maui Pomare was responsible for the outbreak, but it was clearly shown that Influenza had been prevalent in the island long before the Maui Pomare arrived and that no blame could be attached to that vessel. At the same time, an official message was issued stating that the total number of deaths reported in Upolu for May was nine and that, in the other main islands, “conditions were similar." It was stated in Auckland, after the issue of this official denial, that the Mau —following its policy of non-co-operation—was obviously refusing to register births and deaths, and that the Administration would therefore have no means of providing accurate mortality returns. Apparently that was the case. The list, which has been sent to The Sun Office contains the names of 26 females and 42 males who died in the month of May. The others, making up the total of 78, were “registered” in April and June! The list of names, for May, which is signed by Autaguvaia and Tuimalealiifano, is as follows;—Elitise Taua’i, Talaleu Taua’i, Miriama Si’u, Tasele Tovao, Itiona Lauago, Sa’u Tuugasala, Simi Faasolo, Kise, Pio, Paulo, Ofisa, Matele, Atonio, Pepe, Fuamoa, Selema, Fuamoa, Ma’ilo, Seruia, Lokeni,- Setu, Tapu, Mapuni, Paepae, Boy (unknown), Vao F., Auraua, Monise, Vaifoa, Tuu, Sola, Rusavill, Faailo, Nofo, Alapasa, Tuuaga, Solo, Maiava, Eseese, Mere, Girl (unknown), Sione, Osovale, Pe’ape’a, Bita, Tevete Hugo Gebaur, Fiti, Sila, Faananafu. Pepe, Feso, Cosa, Silipa, Pili, Ailoka, Itagia, Teisi, Eki, losefo, Lagi, Sulusi, Sene, Sione, Simi, Leo. The plaoes of death are set forth as follow:—Vailuutai, Falelatai, Nofoalii, Satui, Faleasi’u, Afega, Malie, Leauvea, Toamua, Tufulele, Vaiusu, Vailoa, Lepea, Fasitoouta, Apia, Matautu, Alamagoto, Magiagi and Vaimoso.

The village of Mulifanua lies on the north-west corner of Upolu. Aleipata is situated at the other end of the island.