George Toganivalu Explained

George Toganivalu
Office1:Roko Tui of Bua
Termstart1:1928
Termend1: 
Office2:Roko Tui of Ba
Termstart2:1946
Termend2: 
Office3:Nominated Member of the Legislative Council
Term Start3:1940
Term End3:1951
Death Date:17 June 1951
Death Place:Suva, Fiji

Ratu George Toganivalu (died 17 June 1951) was a Fijian chief and politician. He was Roko Tui of Bua and Ba, and a member of the Legislative Council between 1940 and 1951.

Biography

During World War I he joined the Māori Battalion and served in France.[1] When he returned to Fiji he joined the civil service, becoming Native Assistant Commissioner in Bua. He was subsequently appointed Roko Tui of the province in 1928, succeeding his father Deve.[2]

In 1940 Toganivalu was appointed to the Legislative Council. During World War II he was a captain in the Labour Battalion of the Fiji Military Forces.[1] He became Roko Tui of Ba Province in 1946, and was given an OBE in the 1949 New Year Honours.[1]

He died in June 1951 in Suva.[1] His sons Julian and William also later served as MPs.

Notes and References

  1. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-317878491/view?partId=nla.obj-317920069#page/n23/mode/1up/ Death of Fijian leader
  2. Timothy J. MacNaught (1982) The Fijian Colonial Experience Australian National University, p55