Josefa Lalabalavu

Lalabalavu was born in Somosomo, Taveuni, Fiji, to Ratu Goleanavanua and Adi Elenoa Mila in 1860.

When his father, the 8th Tui Cakau, was dying he was committed to the care of Sir John Bates Thurston, then Britain's honorary consul in Fiji.

[5] Lalabalavu was officially installed as Tui Cakau in August 1880 in the presence of Arthur Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Baron Stanmore, Governor of Fiji as reported by the Fiji Times and The Sydney Morning Herald.

His knowledge is extensive, and his conversation, especially when he is dealing with the flora of his native land, most interesting.

The article said that; he keeps up two establishments, a native house in the village of Somosomo, Taveuni, where his wife, the daughter of a Tongan chief, resides with her family, and & wooden building, with wide verandahs, in which he accommodates his European guests.”[7]