Tonga to Close State Schools.

Missions Undertake Education.

From Our Own Correspondent

Nukualofa, Aug. 10.

THE only contentious matter before the Legislative Assembly, was a proposal that the State abandon its primary schools in favour of the Mis sions operating in the group.

Tonga has always been a happy hunting-ground for Missions —Wesleyan, Catholic, Mormon, Adventist, etc. —and it was argued that, as the Mission schools and State schools are jostling each other throughout the Kingdom, the cost of running them all was a con tinuous and unnecessary drain on the country’s resources.

The State supporters and the Mission, adherents in the House were evidently fairly evenly divided, for it is said that after several days’ stormy argument the proposal that the Government be instructed to bring in a measure, to effect the reform, was adopted by a majority of one.

It is understood that when the Mis sions take upon themselves the primary education of the Tongan child, the Gov ernment will come to their assistance by a system of grants-in-aid.

We gather that these aided Missions will be compelled to conform to the Government policy. Great care will have to be taken to avoid sectarian differ ences and possible friction.

The recommendation of the Educa tion Commission respecting the Tongan Government College, viz., to turn it into a technical institution, was not dealt with affirmatively by Parliament during the session just closed. Here again are obstacles that will call for skilful nego tiations.