On March 13, 1981, The Fiji Times wrote an article on a chiefs funeral where hundreds of mourners gathered to bury Ratu Tiale Wimbledon Thomas Vuiyasawa, the younger brother of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna at Lovonilase (Suva Cemetery).
Ratu Tiale, a high chief of Bau and Lau, was given a military burial and leaders of Fiji including the Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the Governor-General, Ratu Sir George Cakobau were among mourners who packed the Centenary Church for the memorial service.
The coffin was covered in wreaths at the church as Reverend Kelepi Nabanivalu conducted the service.
A former mayor of Suva, Len Usher, in his eulogy said : “We remember Ratu Tiale for his dignity and his integrity and for his sense of humour, the full extend of which was perhaps fully appreciated only by those who knew him well: for his long and faithful service to the Fijian people and to Fiji and for the perception and clearcut thinking which made his views on the people and affairs always worth listening to.”
Mr Usher said Ratu Tiale could be described as a traditionalist and disciplinarian.
“The standards of conduct to which he adhered were based on honesty, a strong sense of duty and good manners.”
He said he was a skilled administrator with little interest in politics and who was an avid farmer.
The road in front of the church had to be cordoned off by the police as the the funeral cortege left for Lovonilase.
Workers left their work and lined the route of the procession to get a last look at the coffin. When the sun was at its brightest just before midday, Ratu Tiale’s coffin was lowered into the grave and mourners bowed their heads in silence as a lone Royal Fiji military Force bugler played the last post and the rouse. As the shrill notes cut through the air, tears flowed for Ratu Tiale.
Ratu Tiale was a former member of the Legislative Council, a Senator, served with the armed forces in both world wars and during the 1960s he was a member of the Suva City Council. He died at his Short St home and was survived by his wife Laisiani Ece, three sons and a daughter.
