of Tonga

Polynesian Club

Kava Ceremony for Prince Tugi, of Tonga

the first time in the history of -*■ Sydney, the ancient Polynesian cere mony of the making and presentation of kava was performed on June 18 by mem bers of the Polynesian Club in honour of Prince Tugi, Consort of Queen Salote and Premier of Tonga.

The kava was made by Mrs. Alfred Page CLefuaoalii), a Samoan high chief tainess. Attired in native costume, Mrs.

Page seated herself on a mat of tapa cloth and proceeded to squeeze the juice of the kava root into a carved Islands bowl.

When the drink was ready, a native woman presented a cupful to Prince Tugi and to each of the principal guests of honour.

Prior to the kava ceremony, Mr. Harold Rabone, a grandson of the Rev. Stephen Rabone, pioneer missionary in Tonga, the centenary of whose arrival in the Pacific was celebrated in June, gave a short lec ture on Tonga’s geography and history.

The lecturer had been at Newington Col lege in Sydney with Prince Tugi.

The subsequent entertainment included many Islands songs and dances by Tahi tian, Samoan, Maori, and Rotuman mem bers of the Club. These were under the direction of Mr. Leonard Moran (presi dent) and Mr. Eric Ramsden.

Her Majesty Queen Salote, who did not attend the gathering owing to her recent bereavement, has been invited to become the Club’s patroness. Expressing him self delighted with the function, Prince Tugi said he believed that the Queen would give her consent.