To Dominica

Transfer of Mr. J. S. Neill, British Agent and Consul at Tonga

HPHE news that Mr. James Scott Neill, British Agent and Consul in Tonga, has been appointed Administrator of Dominica, Leeward Islands (West Indies), will be received with pleasure by his many friends throughout Central Pacific.

It has been anticipated for some time that he would be promoted to a more important post. As the representative of the British Government, he has carried out a successful job of work in Tonga, where he handled all foreign affairs and kept a close check on financial matters.

All appointments to the Tongan Civil Service had to meet his approval before being ratified.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1889. he was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduating as a Barrister-at- Law at King’s Inn, in the same city.

Going to Fiji as cadet in 1914, he was successively District Commissioner. Regi strar of the Supreme Court and Official Receiver, Acting Attorney-General and member of the Executive and Legislative Councils, and Acting Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary. In September, 1924. he was seconded for duty in Tonga.

For three years at Nukualofa, he car ried out various administrative duties, including Commissioner of Assize, Cir cuit, etc., and member of the Court of Review of Income Tax. He was appointed British Agent and Consul in January, 1927.

Mr. Neill, in 1920, married Miss Grace Howard, of County Tyrone, Ireland, and they have one son. who at present is at college in England.

Until a permanent appointment is made. Mr. Ragnar Hyne, Chief Justice of the Protectorate, is acting as British Agent and Consul at Nukualofa.