TONGAN CORONATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3380, 25 December 1918, Page 25

TONGAN CORONATION

QUAINT PROCEDURE. An interesting account of the coronation of Queen Salote Tabou aj; 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 native custom, elaborate preparations were made for the coronation of the Queen, which took place, first in tho Tongan way, and secondly, according to European customs. Her Majesty, on the ■first occasion, wore an elaborate native 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 the. Queen to a canopy of greenery, on either side of which the high chiefs of Tonga were seated. As soon as her Majesty was seated her attendants fell in behind and spread the mat in a fan shape at the back of the royal chair. Then followed native chants and the offering of a largo ■sroot of kava and other gifts of food. The elaborate preparation of kava was then made, and it was offered to the superior circle, outside which was the Prince Consort, Uliami Tugi, it not being etiquette for hear relatives of royalty to enter the first circle. The herald selected the food for the Queen—notably a stout sucking pig, and the kava was distributed with a great deal of formality. Loyal addresses were then given, and the proceedings terminated when, the Queen retired to the 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-waiting. . The ceremony of coronation was performed by the Rev. J. B. Watkin, who placed the crown on her head, saying, "Receive the crown of glory, honour, and joy." The sacrament was then administered, and, after a short service and sermon, the ceremony closed with the Benediction. A reception was held later, and many Tongan and European residents paid their respects to Queen Salote.