TONGAN NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 283, 24 August 1908, Page 8

TONGAN NOTES.

The fine, new steamship Tofua arrived hero recently on her maiden voyage (writes the Tongan correspondent 1 of ~ the Sydney "Herald," under date bf July 25). What a difference between the Tofua and the little Wainui (684 tons),-not •to mention the Richmond (now renamed the Haupiri), which used to run hero in the old days, and the Janet Nicoll, the pioneer steamer of the,service to this group, in the early eighties, when Messrs. Donald and Edenborough, of Auckland, inaugurated steamer ..service to these islands. Trade has grown since those but the speedy little island kihooners liavo almost disappeared from these waters. There used to be quite a fleet of .them hero at one time.

The local whaler, Albert Cook, > secured his first whale for the . season on,,the 20th. Tho flag hoisted at tho whaling ..station on tho island of Tufaka, and the long streamer of I black smoke from the try-'pot. fires, told us ! of a catch before the boat, arrived with-the meat for sale. Tho natives are,very fond of whale meat, and some of the Europeans buy it also; but tho peculiar flavour, reminding one of the codliver oil of childhood days, rondors it unpalatable to rrost of tho whites. Wo havo had a regular "cold,snap," that is, cold for Tonga, where the sun is popuI larly supposed to be always warm, but two days this week reminded those of us who hail from Now Zealand, of'the'frosty days in that country. The coldest night was tho 21st inst., when the thermometer at the local post office recorded 56deg. Fahr., on tho verandah. One result of the cold has been an epidemic' of coughs and colds, particularly among tho natives, who are clad for a warm climate, and who feel very quickly any sudden fall in the temperature. Native taxpayers in tho centre and western end of this island wore_" called out" by the Government one day this-month, for tho purpose of forming tho main road from Nukualofa to Hihifo, and some 800 men wore on ,tho spot at the time appointed—6 a.m. They aro to come out one day in each month until tho formation is completed, when tho road will be metalled and rolled by j,he Government with paid labour. King Georgo returned from his trip to the northern parts of his dominions by tho schooner Pamu on August 8, having had a very pleasant and enjoyable timo on his travels. _ _ Tho auxiliary schooner Wafapu arrived from Niuo on August 12, this being her first appearance in theso waters. Tho principal portion of her cargo was cement for the Forro-Concrcto Company of Australasia, Ltd., for nso on their wliarf contract in Vavau, and sho proceeded thero to discharge. A Tongan marriage in high, rank took place in tho Royal Chapel on August 24, the bridegroom boing Jiaoji Finau, hereditary chief of Vavau, and tho bride Finau Halaovalu, a cousin of the King of Tonga. The lady was attired in tho regulation white satin, and voilcd in flowing _ gossamer, and the groom perspired in a stiff collar arid a dress suit. Tho Premier took tho part bf the father, and gavo tho brido away, tho wedding service being performed by Rev. J. B. Watkin, chaplain to tho king. Tho chapel was crowded with interested guests, among them a good many of tho European residents. Tho wedding breakfast was held in tho palace, and food, both ■ native and European,. was provided in abundance. A choir of maje voices from the Government College provided the choral part of tho services, accompanied by four members of tho Tongan band.