Nukualofa Ball

"Most Successful”

To the Editor Sir, —I have been instructed by the committee of the Nukualofa Club to write to you in reference to a most misleading article under the heading “Club Ball,” in your correspondent’s notes from Tonga, August issue.

The question of holding a Ball, and the amount to be expended thereon, is decided by the members of the Club, and not by the committee. From 1920 to 1929 the affairs were on a rather large scale, and the cost was met entirely by subscribing members.

In 1930, owing to a number of mem bers having left the kingdom, and also owing to depressed conditions, it was decided that no ball be held.

This year, at the request of mem bers, the committee decided to hold a ball on a much reduced scale, each subscribing member’s liability being limited, and consequently, each sub scribing member was permitted to nominate one lady guest only. The arrangements were perfectly clear to the members interested, and 63 invi tations were sent out. It should he evident that, with the prevailing de pression, and reduction, or in some cases disappearance, of income, mem bers are perfectly within their rights in reducing their standard of enter tainment of non-members.

The suggestion that “members of committee, in a state of terror at their own temerity, are now hurriedly ar ranging to be away,” is mischievous and quite inaccurate. The committee carried out the expressed wishes of members, and only one member of committee, who was absent on holi dava, did not attend the ball.

In conclusion, the opinion was freely expressed that the Ball was the most successful the Club has held— Tours faithfully,

C. W. Kidney.

Hon. Secretary.

Nukualofa, 14th September.