N.Z. boys stranded in Tonga

Press, 7 January 1987, Page 32

N.Z. boys stranded in Tonga

PA Wellington A party of 12 Boys Brigade members is stranded in Tonga after travel arrangements were disrupted by Cyclone Raja. The boys, aged between 14 and 18, from the 39th Brigade, attached to the Milford Baptist Church, North Shore, Auckland, arrived in Tonga on December 14 to hand over brass instruments to Tongan Boys Brigade members. Their December 30 return flight to New Zealand was unable to - land in Nukualofa because of the cyclone. All scheduled services were booked, leaving the boys stranded — and they have “had enough,” according to their leader, Mr Dieter Dyck. Mr Dyck said the boys were becoming tired and uncomfortable sleeping on wooden beds, and eating local food, and most had run out of money. It looked as if the boys would have to stay in

Tonga until midD- week, when Polynesian Airlines would attempt to organise a special flight to Auckland. Mr Dyck said it was not good enough that the boys had to stay at a college, "eating bread and jam.” He was negotiating with the airline to move the boys into the Dateline International Hotel, Nukualofa's best hotel. The boys would be kept as active as possible during’their extended stay, Mr Dyck said. They had already performed a Royal Command performance for the King of Tonga, who in return had invited them to dine with him in the Royal palace. “Many of the boys are disappointed they cannot return to New Zealand, and have subsequently missed out on family holidays and outings. I think they will be happier once we can move into the Dateline Hotel. They will be more comfortable there,” Mr Dyck said.