Alifereti Finau Ulugalala facts for kids

Ratu Alifereti Finau (born 1869, died 3 April 1934) was an important leader in Fiji. He held two very important traditional titles: he was the eleventh Sau ni Vanua of the Lau Islands and the fifth Tui Nayau. He belonged to the noble family called Matailakeba.

Life of Ratu Alifereti Finau

Early Life and Family

Ratu Finau was born in 1869. His father was Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba II. His mother was Adi Asenaca Kakua Vuikaba. She was the daughter of Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau, who was a powerful leader known as the Vunivalu of Bau and was sometimes called the King of Fiji.

In 1896, Ratu Finau married Adi Ateca Moceiwaqa. She was the daughter of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau I, who was also a Vunivalu of Bau. Adi Ateca's father was the eldest son of Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau. This means Ratu Finau and Adi Ateca were cousins, which was common in Fijian families at that time. Adi Ateca was very important in bringing the customs and manners of Bauan culture to Lakeba, which became very popular.

Becoming a Leader

Ratu Finau's father was supposed to become the next Tui Nayau. However, his father passed away before he could receive the title. Since Ratu Finau was still young, the title went to his granduncle, Ratu Eroni Loganimoce.

In 1898, after Ratu Eroni Loganimoce died, Ratu Penaia Kadavulevu, who was the Vunivalu of Bau, traveled to the Lau Islands. He officially made Ratu Finau the Sau ni Vanua and Tui Nayau. This happened even though Ratu Salesi Kinikinilau, another relative, also wanted the title. Ratu Kadavulevu likely chose Ratu Finau because they were cousins and Ratu Finau was married to Ratu Kadavulevu's sister, Adi Ateca. This helped to strengthen their family's power.

Promoting Education

Ratu Finau was very dedicated to education. He played a key role in helping his nephew, Ratu Lala Sukuna, get an education overseas. To pay for Ratu Sukuna's studies, Ratu Finau asked every adult man in Lau to contribute one ton of copra (dried coconut meat).

He wanted Ratu Sukuna to become a strong and clear voice for the native Fijian people in the government. He believed this was important to protect their interests as more Indians and Europeans came to Fiji. Ratu Sukuna later became one of Fiji's most respected leaders, fulfilling Ratu Finau's hopes.

In 1908, Ratu Finau founded the first school in Tubou, Lakeba, called the Lau Provincial School. He brought teachers from the United Kingdom to work there. One of the early teachers was Arthur Maurice Hocart, who studied cultures and people.

Later Life and Legacy

Ratu Finau passed away in Tubou on April 3, 1934, when he was 65 years old. His son, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba III, took over his titles and continued his family's legacy.