The Press TUESDAY, JULY 4, 1967. A Royal Occasion

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31412, 4 July 1967, Page 14

The Press TUESDAY, JULY 4, 1967. A Royal Occasion

The British “ protected State ” of Tonga is closer to New Zealand than to the United Kingdom in sentiment as well as in geography. Outside Tonga itself, no country will be more closely associated with the coronation today of King Taufa’ahau than New Zealand, many of whose citizens remember fondly Queen Salote, that truly regal figure who occupied the Tongan throne for nearly half a century. It was not until 1845 that the wars which had afflicted the island peoples were ended and the present dynasty established by the proclamation of King George Tupou. British protection, extended in 1900, was modified in terms of modern needs in 1958 in a second Treaty of Friendship. The links forged at the beginning of the century have remained strong. The British Royal Family will be represented at the crowning of King Taufa’ahau; and so will British tradition in the ermine and mink of the ceremonial robes.

King Taufa’ahau has prepared himself by travel and study for the tasks of political leadership, foremost among which must be the adjustment of the Tongan economy, as far as may be practicable, to meet modern challenges. There is neither mining nor any other significant industry in the islands. Copra and a variety of fruits are marketed under board control, and fruit juices are packed for export. King Taufa’ahau has good reason for confidence in the steadily developing tourist trade. By providing modem hotel accommodation in Nuku’alofa he and his Government are expecting to share in the millions of dollars spent annually on Pacific travel. For the 49-year-old King Taufa’ahau today has a double significance: it is his birthday as well as the opening day of the week-long coronation festivities, for which many thousands of his subjects have crowded into the capital. The time-honoured island hospitality will ensure that all are participants, from the humblest in rank to the highest. It is fitting that the Prime Minister, Mr Holyoake, should lead New Zealand’s delegation to the coronation. This country’s relations with Tonga have long been cordial. The new monarch’s mother, Queen Salote, was a frequent and welcome visitor; the Tongan defence force is commanded by an officer seconded from the New Zealand Army. New Zealanders will await with interest the televised record of the coronation ceremonies, and will warmly endorse the congratulatory greetings which the Prime Minister will convey to Tonga’s new ruler.