Tongan News.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XI, 14 March 1903, Page 754

Tongan News.

A SEVERE GALE. A SCHOONER WRECKED. TONGA, March 2. On February 19 we experienced here a severe gale—not a hurricane and no tidal wave—as was reported should be experienced in Friendly Isles at the same time as at Tahiti. The gale knocked the cocoanuts about, and generally cleaned things up; a few sheets of iron were stripped off, but otherwise little damage was done. The s.s. Rotokino, on her voyage to here, due February 16, fell in with the same weather, and had to lieave-to, which delayed her about thirty hours. No damage occurred, her cargo and live stock being landed in good order. At Haatai the schooner Croydon Lass is wrecked, and is a total loss. Other small vessels are stranded, but can be refloated. Mr. Hamilton Hunter, C.M.G., British Consul and Agent, is at present in Fiji. The Orange crop has suffered a little by the recent gale. The King of Tonga is well, and preparations are now being made to celebrate the anniversary of his coronation in March, with which will be coupled Princess Salote’s third birthday. Good rains have fallen, and temperate weather prevails.