Thousands of schoolchildren and people from all walks of life lined the street from Suva to Bau as the body of Adi Lady Davila Ganilau — wife of the then governor general Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau — was carried to her final resting place.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on March 6, 1984, a state memorial service was held at the Centenary Church in Suva on March 5 before she was laid to rest at the burial ground at Soso near Bau.
The cortege left Government House at 9.45am, while Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau followed closely behind accompanied by the then prime minister, Ratu Kamisese Mara, Adi Lady Mara, and former Governor General Ratu Sir George Cakobau.
Accompanying Adi Lady Davila’s casket was the mata ni vanua (herald) of the chiefly clan of Cakaudrove, Inoke Tabualevu.
The procession included the high chief of Cakaudrove, Tui Cakau, Ratu Ratavo Lalabalavu, the governor general’s immediate family, close families, and pall bearers from the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
Women dressed in black sat by the roadside in a solemn gesture of respect for a lady of chiefly tittle.
The Nausori Town Council had also erected a giant overhead wreath on Wainibokasi Rd in front of the council office.
Shops in Suva and Nausori were closed in respectful observance of the late chief’s wife.
