Funeral of Hon. Ma'atu [1]
Nuku‘alofa,Tonga
Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 11:00. Updated on Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 11:04.
The Hon. Ma'atu resting at the Villa during the Takipo last night February 24.
The following day outside the Queen Salote Memorial Hall the Hon. Ma'atu's coffin was placed on Catafalque to be carried by about 500 pall bearers to Mala'e Kula. The pall bearers were students from the Sia'atoutai Theological College.
After the catafalque entered Mala'e Kula, Navy officers fired gun salute for Hon. Ma'atu.
Mourners at The Villa.
The Hon. Ma'atu resting at the Villa during the Takipo last night February 24.
Funeral Procession for Hon. Ma'atu on Hala Taufa'ahau.
School children and mourners line Hala Taufa'ahau as the funeral procession left Vaiola Hospital for The Villa on February 24.
The coffin of Hon. Ma'atu, draped with the flag of the Royal Tongan Navy was carried from the Villa by navy officers on the morning of February 25, in preparation for the journey to Mala'e Kula, the Royal Tombs.
The Prime Minister Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, the younger brother of the deceased, with Hon. Lupepau'u Fusitu'a.
Mourners accompany the funeral procession to the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
Mourners accompany the funeral procession to the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
Following behind the Catafalque were members of the royal family led by Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, and Princess Pilolevu Tuita, the brother and sister of the deceased.
Outside the Queen Salote Memorial Hall the Hon. Ma'atu's coffin was placed on Catafalque to be carried by about 500 pall bearers to Mala'e Kula.
The 500 Pall Bearers were students from the Sia'atoutai Theological College.
The funeral procession on Hala Mateilona on the way to Mala'e Kula.
The catafalque entered Mala'e Kula.
Navy officers fired gun salute for Hon. Ma'atu.
Photo News [4]