Doesn’t this tier of black stones speak volumes? This is the Mausoleum of Tapua Tamasese. Here lies a paramount chief. He was a leader of Samoa’s pro-independence Mau movement.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III was born on May 4 1901. He tragically died on December 29 1929. New Zealand police assassinated him. The incident occurred during a peaceful Mau procession in Apia. That day is remembered as Black Saturday.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Samoa under colonial rule. New Zealand governed on behalf of Great Britain. Many Samoans felt oppressed. They believed New Zealand officials saw them as childlike. Strict regulations controlled who they could marry. Regulations dictated how they ran businesses. Traditional governing systems had little power.
The Spanish Flu pandemic hit in 1918. It killed over 8500 Samoans. New Zealand officials failed to quarantine a ship. The ship carried infected passengers. Samoans had suffered enough.
The Mau movement gained momentum. Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III became a key leader. He championed nonviolent resistance. This approach laid the groundwork for Samoa’s independence.
The Mau protested against New Zealand rule. They refused to pay taxes. They boycotted imported goods. They ignored New Zealand officials.
Black Saturday was a turning point. Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III led a march in Apia. The march was to welcome home exiled members. New Zealand police opened fire on the peaceful marchers.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III rushed to the front. He urged his people to remain peaceful. A bullet struck him from behind. Others who tried to help him were also shot.
His final words echoed his commitment to peace. “My blood has been spilt for Samoa. I am proud to give it. Do not dream of avenging it as it was spilt in peace. If I die peace must be maintained at any price.”
The New Zealand coroner deemed the rifle fire unnecessary. Yet no one faced prosecution for Tupua Tamasese’s killing.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III’s legacy endures. His tomb stands as a reminder of sacrifice. He is remembered for his commitment to peace. His younger brother Tupua Tamasese Mea’ole continued the fight. He was instrumental in securing Samoa’s independence. He became co-Head of State in 1962. Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV served as Samoa’s prime minister. He was Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III’s eldest son.
This mausoleum is more than a tomb. It symbolizes Samoa’s struggle for freedom. It embodies the spirit of peaceful resistance. Remember Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III’s sacrifice. Honor his legacy of peace.