Appeals for Economy

Position in Tonga

From Our Own Correspondent

Nukualofa, April 26.

WE learn that the Tongan Cham ber of Commerce has again sent a Memorandum to the Tongan Gov ernment, urging the Executive to drastically retrench in all departments of the service.

On the other hand, it is whispered that a movement is on foot in Govern ment circles to petition the Chamber of Commerce and urge the curtail ment of certain imports which are said to be in the nature of luxuries and which the native would be hap pier without during a time of stress.

The list is said to contain such items as silk stockings, gramophones, motor cars, powder puffs, silks, satins, cashmeres, lipsticks and those hundred and one ephemeral nick-nacks so dear to the native feminine heart, once she has been taught that the use of them uplifts her to a sphere where she might even become persona grata with her European sisters.

It is extremely problematical, though, whether the Chamber’s memorandum or the proposed appeal to the Cham ber will alter matters worth a row of pins. We know that dummy will still continue to pay, in much the same old way.