DEATH OF THE CROWN PRINCE OF TONGA.

_ —«pWe have just received,news from Vavau of the death of Prince Laifone, the heir to the Throne, who died ab Neiafu, the principal town of the Northern Group, after a few months' illness. On the news being received at Nukualofa minute guns were fired and all the flags lowered to half-mast. Laifone was the nephew of King George and Governor of Vavau. His sister has also died recently. In consequence of the king and most of the chiefs and people being away at the Northern Group, trade at Tonga has- been dull, but as tbey have commenced to return things begin to be brighter again. The low price of copra at Home has also had its depessing effects there. The blow which destroyed the.vessols ab Samoa has done more damage here than was at first thought, especially with regard tobhefruit. Inanobher month, however, ib is expected the banana trees will have fully recovered. .