QLD:Patriarch weeps as tributes flow

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2011
QLD:Patriarch weeps as tributes flow

BRISBANE, Aug 25 AAP - The patriarch of a Queensland family who lost 11 members in
a horrific house fire has returned to the scene amid more tearful prayers for the victims.

Supported by four family members, Tau Taufa, 66, was led through the crowd of mourners
as they sang traditional hymns outside the Slacks Creek home, south of Brisbane.

A chair was brought for him, so he could sit and take in scores of tributes left for
his lost family outside the blackened remains of the home.

Mr Taufa, who lost his wife, daughter, sister-in-law and eight grandchildren, wept.

Moments later another van carrying more remains emerged from the scene, and began driving
slowly down Wagensveldt Street.

As with other bodies removed earlier, the van was stopped and the doors opened to allow
immediate family to offer prayers.

Family members hugged each other and wailed, amid the strains of rich Samoan and Tongan
voices raised in prayer.

Some young dancers, who said they were Maori, performed the Haka as a tribute to those
lost, and as a gesture of support for the family.

They said they knew Paul Lale, 17, who died in the fire. He was one of five children
lost to Jeremiah Lale, 50, along with his wife, Teukisia Lale, 42.

AAP peb/tnf/ht/sn

KEYWORD: FIRE PATRIARCH

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