The Annexation of Tonga

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume IV, Issue 1208, 24 December 1904, Page 3

The Annexation of Tonga

Views of a Missionary

Press Association.—Copyright, Stdney, this day. Dh, Moulton, tho well-known missionary, discredits the nuiours of tho annexation of Tonga, From a close knowledge of Tongan polities ho says ho belieyos that a status quo will be maintained after the necossary clmngo of Government. He states that'tho downfall of the lalo Premier is nttributoil to his identification with ',ho ulieged ring formed for tho purposo of exploiting tho Treasury, and thinks that the notion already taken will bo a sufficient guarantee that things will bo allowed to go on as they woro. It is probable, however, that the British Government will insist on the administration of tho Treasury for sowo time to come. Ho fervently hopes that we will not annex tho island, as it would break the hoarts of tho natives, who wave their own % Melbourne, December 24 The Department of External Affairs oonsidors it is not unlikely that owing to tho unsatisfactory condition of affairs, the Tonga protectorate will dovolop into formal and direeo control,