Millionaire takes business secrets to the grave

 THE financial worth of Western Highlands’ millionaire Simon Korua is something he will take with him to the grave, according to close friends and business associates.

Korua, who started off with trucking and ventured into trade stores, coffee, agricultural supplies, mining, property, the share market and many others, was a person who kept many things to himself, they said.

He is survived by his wife Lofena, and an adopted son Simon Korua Jr.

Public Curator Jacob Popuna, who spoke to Korua’s family members at the haus krai on Friday night, said it was now up to them to help him to find out all of his businesses as he may have died without leaving a will.

“Simon (Korua), as we all know, had long arms,” he said.

“He was like a tree with deep roots.

“You must all support me to find out where all these roots go. 

“I appeal to all of you to cooperate with me in this. 

“If you all cooperate with me, we can find out how we can handle all of Simon’s businesses.”

Popuna said since Korua’s death on July 8 in Cairns, where he had investments, his companies had contacted the Office of the Public Curator,

“I will meet with the lawyers from ANZ and other banks such as BSP,” he said.

“If he has left a will, things will be all right. 

“If there is no will, this matter will come to the Office of the Public Curator and we will control and manage his assets the way he would have wanted. 

“Cooperation must come from family members and we will try to do things the way Simon would have wanted.

“You’ll see me regularly as we try to sort out this matter. 

“We’ll try to do the best we can.

“All I ask for is your cooperation and understanding. 

“I want to make it clear that I have no power to shift new boundaries or do something that he wouldn’t have wanted.” 

“Now that Simon has closed his eyes, I have no power to give anything to anyone who wants to have a share. 

“We’ll have to follow the law.”