Economic Troubles In

Tonga

Letter to the Editor.

THE interesting and timely article of Mr. Cowley under the heading “Thousands of Tongan Tax-Payers in Default” (“P.1.M.” of March) was a wel come and much-needed “thunder-clap” to help in clearing up of the oppress ively-charged air of mal-adminstration in this territory.

But to say that the Mission collections realised “some £620” was an unfortun ate and misleading statement. The

amount given out at the time for the two villages of Kolomotua and Kolo foou was “paaga 3,700”, which is the equivalent of £740. The amount col lected for the entire group probably runs into thousands.

Such inaccuracy was unfortunate and misleading, because it conveyed to readers a false impression of the actual state of affairs here with regard to the cadging practices which infest these islands. Readers assume that the only guilty party to “the present condition of Tonga, the misery, the distress, etc.” is the Government, and that the thou sands pocketed by the Church has no bearing on the misery and distress of “these defenceless people”.

Readers admire Mr. Cowley’s pluck and determination in championing the rights of the Tongan, but the discrep ancy in this instance seems to show signs of weakening where the Church is concerned.

The appearance of cavilling should not have been necessary if only Islands people realise the importance of abso lute accuracy “though the Heavens fall”!

I am, etc.,

Etena

Nukualofa 4 May, 1938.