A Tongan Appointment

Letter to the Editor rE engagement of a sergeant-major, Mr. J. F. Latimer, from New Zea land, as drill instructor of the Tonga Defence Force, raises the question of the status of the European Chief In spector in the Tonga Police Force.

Under the Treaty between Great Britain and Tonga, as well as in the Tonga Police Act, the presence of a European as Chief Inspector in the Tonga Police Force is imperative. Under the Police Act it is equally imperative that the same officer shall also act as drill instructor of the Tonga Royal Guards, and consequently of the newly-established Tonga Defence Force, into which the former has been absorbed.

This is desirable from the angle of finance, apart from the fact that the labour involved does not justify the em ployment of two officers.

The fact that the present Chief In spector does not function as drill in structor of the Royal Guards or Defence Force appears to be a breach of the Police Act. Its result is a further £3OO a year being added to the already top heavy expenditure of the Tonga Govern ment.

Why the Tonga Government allowed this absurd position to be brought about, especially at a period when every con ceivable measure of economy is of im portance, is difficult to understand.

I am, etc.,

Malimali Loto.

Nukualofa, June 6, 1940.