Tongan Notes

Much Social Activity

From Our Own Correspondent.

NUKUALOFA, December 30.

THIS month has seen in Tonga a revival of social functions. The annual prize givings to successful college boys of both the Government and Wesleyan Colleges were made occasions for community singing and band selections on two nights of the month.

On these evenings, the British Agent and Consul, Mr. J. S. Neill, addressed the boys and rubbed in some home truths. He em phasised the greater need of sportsmanship in their inter-collegiate games and the total elimination of that bitter rivalry, which has been only too evident on the playing fields of Tonga in the past.

He further pointed out the necessity of increased cultivation of their allotments on leaving college, laying particular stress upon the fact that only a few of the boys could be absorbed in the Government service and trading posts, and that they must always bear in mind that the future prosperity of their little Kingdom depended upon the re sults of their exertions on their plantations.

Successful Vocal Recital.

A keen desire on the part of the ladies to present a new organ to the Anglican Church, motived by Mrs. J. S. Neill to call a meeting of C. of E. ladies at the Residency.

The outcome of this gathering was the ac ceptance of an offer from Mrs. C. Murray- Aynsley to give a vocal recital on behalf of the Church. Mr. W. Briggs was then ap proached and he kindly offered his large pic ture hall for the evening free of charge.

The function proved a great success, owing undoubtedly to the novelty of the event and the versatility of this entertaining lady.

Assisted by Miss Helen Wall and Princess Fusipala alternately at the piano, and with the support of a Tongan choir in two of her items, Mrs. Murray-Aynsley rendered selections in a rich and cultivated mezzo-soprano voice for nearly two hours. On the success of the evening, we learn that the purchase of an organ is well on its way to completion.

Masquerade Ball.

The next social event of moment was a masquerade ball, held in the Victoria Mem orial Hall, where the youth and beauty of Tongatabu made merry. The successful prize-winners were as follows: Most original costume (lady) Mrs. Darrell-Wall as “West Indian ‘Mammy’ best fancy dress (ladyl Miss Margaret Anderson as “Spanish Dancer”; most original costume (gent.), Miss Helen Wall as “Male Apache Dancer”; best fancy dress (gent.), Mr. Frank Edwards, as “The Ban dolero.” The hall was most tastefully decor ated and the music was supplied by the Premier String Band.

Approaching Christmas attention was de voted more to the children, and many Christ mas trees were in evidence at several homes.

Probably the largest gathering of kiddies was held at the residence of the Hon. Garfield Bagnall.

On that day some 50 children congregated in the grounds and thoroughly enjoyed them selves with a multitude of toys, cakes and cream puffs. We are informed by a helper at the party that it is simply amazing the amount that even dyspeptic youngsters can “put away” on an occasion such as this.