TONGAN CORONATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17503, 20 December 1918, Page 7

TONGAN CORONATION

QUAINT PROCEDURE.

An interesting account of tho coronation of Queen Saloto Tabou at Nukualofa is given by the correspondent of the Auckland Star. After a considerable period of national mourning for King George Tabou 11, which is the nativo custom, eliiborato preparations wero made for tho coronation of tiic Queen, which took place, first in the Tongan way, and secondly, according to European customs. Her Majesty, on tho first occasion, wore an elaborate nativo costume, and was followed by about 100 women, who carried at full length a very fine mat about 60ft long. A herald preceded this procession, and escorted tho Queen to a canopy of greenery, on either side of which, the high chiefs of Tonga Tvoro seated. As soon as her Majesty was seated iior attendants fell in behind and spread tho mat in a fan shape at the back of tho royal chair. Then followed native chants and the offering of a large root of kava and other gifts of food. The elaborate preparation of kava was then made, ami it was offered to the superior circle, outside which was the Princo Consort, Uliami Tugi, it not being etiquette for near rolatives of royalty to enter the first circle. The herald selected the food for the Queen—notably a stout sucking pig, and tho kava was distributed with a groat deal of formality. Loyal addresses were then given, and tho proceedings terminated when tho Queen retired to tho palace. The European ceremony took place in the Chapel Royal, when there was a good attendance of chiefs and people, and every provision had been made for the seating of Europeans. The Queen was handsomely dressed on this occasion and was attended by her husband and a lady-in-wa.rbng. The ceremony of coronation was performed by the Rev. J. B. Watkin, who placed the crown on her head, saying, "Receive the crown of jrlory, honour, and_ joy." The sacrament was then administered, and, after a short service and sermon, the ceremony closed with the Bonediction. A reception was hold later, and many Tongan and European residents paid their respects to Queen Saloto.