Vicious System in Tonga

Native Debtors

Vicious System in Tonga Amendment of the Law Desirable

From Our Own Correspondent.

Nukualofa, April 25.

LEADING business men have lately expressed disapproval of the exist ing Debt Law, and the facilities grant ed by the Government for the introduc tion of “mushroom” trading stations throughout the group.

In perusing statistics, it is certainly interesting to note that the number of trading stations and bakeries oper ating in the Kingdom has nearly trebled in 15 years. As there has been no perceptible increase in population during that period, and even allowing for the country’s increased prosperity, it aopears that the number of stations to-day is excessive.

A surplus of small stores in the vil lages is a constant and indefensible in ducement for the native to plunge into debt. He never thinks of to-morrow — “sufficient unto the day” is his motto— with the result that he runs up a score with all the little shops in his town.

The time comes when the traders re quire payment, and the native finds he cannot satisfy their demands. The trader who gets in early promptly sues him and follows the summons up quick ly with a distress warrant. The debtor comes home one day and discovers his goods and chattels sold up, and his wife and family gone back to mother.

He sets about getting a home together again, only to discover that trader number two, awaiting his opportunity, has pounced on him with another dis tress warrant. Again he is sold up, and so the regrettable process goes on, from year to year, until, probably, some six or eight small traders have receiv ed satisfaction.

The remedy? Amend the debt law at once, so that a native must pay in spot cash (or produce) for his goods.

Then we can be assured that the num ber of “mushroom” stores, which at present flagrantly batten on the nat ives. will dron by half at least, and Dummy will have a home for his wife and family that he can call his own.

The complaints of the well-establish ed concerns are justified, and members of the Tongan Parliament would do well to ponder this for the future well being of their countrymen and coun trywomen.