ROYAL WEDDINGS IN TONGA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25200, 3 June 1947, Page 6

ROYAL WEDDINGS IN TONGA

PRINCE’S BRIDE ILL WITH INFLUENZA '* The Press ” Special Service AUCKLAND, June 2. . The Nukualofa correspondent of the “New Zealand Herald” writes that one of the brides at the forthcoming royal weddings in Tonga is a victim of the influenza epidemic, which in recent weeks has swept the islands, and confined thousands to their beds. She is Miss Melenaite Tupou-Moheofo, who is to marry Prince Sione Ugu Fatafehi Manumataongo. Miss Tupou-Moheofo has been ailing for a week, but it is expected that she will have recovered by June 10, the day arranged for the weddings. Other principal parties at the double ceremony are well. The epidemic appears to have passed its crisis in Tongatabu. The health of the population generally is improving, and schools are reopening. Very few guests have as yet arrived for the weddings. Some Samoans have come by flying-boat, and it is expected that many more will travel by the Matua, which is due on Wednesday. The Royal Colonial ship Viti is also bringing 20 cabin and 50 deck passengers from Suva. The officiating Methodist minister, the Rev. R. C. G. Page, has arrived by air from Sydney, accompanied by two other Methodist ministers. Many Tongans are travelling by cutter from the island districts of Vavau, Haapai and Niuatoputabu.