Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1893 — Funeral of the Tongan King. [ARTICLE]

Funeral of the Tongan King.

King George Tubou, of Tonga, after lying in state for a fortnight, was buried recently’in Princess’ Park, at the capital, Nukualofa. The malae, which was specially constructed to receive the remains of the late king, was made of 1,200 tons of stone, sand and earth. In shape the malae is at present at quadri-lateral-meant for a square—of sixty feet and five feet high. Upon this is erected a vault of New Zealand stone. The vault itself is encased in heavy masonry some two feet in thickness, solid square blocks of coral lnid in cement being used for the pur| osj. The coffins consist of an inner one of lead and an outer of two-inch cedar. The funeral procession formed just outside the Royal Palace and started at the fire of the first of ninety-five minute guns for Princess’ Park. First came the Royal Guards, then came the Band, with muffled drums, playing the “Dead March.” The “maefakaeiki,” or bier, with the ooffin enveloped in rich mats, then followed, borne shoulder-high by some score of bearers. The bier partook of the nature of a catafalque—with tassels, etc. Immediately after the bier followed the chief mourners and at a considerable distance came Prince Taufaahau—“Koe Tui”—the King, dressed in full uniform.—[San Francisco Dxaminer.