TONGAN AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6073, 10 January 1898, Page 3

TONGAN AFFAIRS.

A FIASCO. TPek Prebs association.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 10, The Star's Tonga correspondent says .- As to the charges against the Britis Resident, expressed or implied, thei breakdown was so complete as to h grotesquely ridiculous when regarded a the cause for such, an inquiry.. The res points were these : — Does the Governmen work satisfactorily • then, about the liquo traffic, education and the administration c justice. Upon all these the Judge wil be sure to give a full report, but the mail interest here settles in the decision aB t what shall be done for the future. Th present mode of government by Natives acting under the advice of thi Resident, is doomed. Matua and th Arikis deliberately told the Judge tha they would sign no papers, pas 3ni laws, nor authorise the payment of money or do anything else, until the Resident an< all the present officers were removed. • Hi showed them the absurdity of asking sucl a thing when they had not the least reasoi to warrant it. The only answer wa the perpetual "it is our wish." The rea reason is that they wish to punisl Matua Damela, and all who refused ti take part with them against Mr Moss, anc assert their mana. As the Chief Judg< told them plainly, their request was on< not to be thought of.' Matua left th< Court with the excuse of illness.