Prince Tugi
pp. 22-23 · Read in the full issue
Sudden Death of Tonga's Premier
PRINCE Uiliami Tugi, CBE, Premier of Tonga, and consort of Queen Salote, DBE, ruler of the British Protectorate of Tonga in Central Pacific, died suddenly in Nukualofa on July 20.
His passing has removed one of the most successful and best-loved Polynesian administrators, for his was the guiding hand behind the felicitous reign of the Queen for the past 23 years. During the period of his Premiership, Tonga’s relations with Britain have been marked by great cordiality. Always he worked hard and loyally for the welfare and best interests of the people of Tonga.
Of striking appearance, thick-set and powerfully built, Tugi was 54 years of age. He came of royal lineage, from both parents, and his fine, long years of service in the government of his country won him the esteem, as well as the warm regard, of the native Tongans and the European residents. He pos sessed a happy, attractive personality.
Like Queen Salote, he was an ardent Wesleyan.
Educated at Tobou College, Nukualofa, and Newington College, Sydney, Tugi spent the early years of his public life as Governor of Vavau. Later, he held office as Minister for Lands. In 1923, Tugi became Premier and, in later years, had charge of Foreign Affairs, Agricul ture, Public Works, Education and Health. He was particularly interested in agriculture—he was the largest land owner in the Kingdom—and education.
Prince Tugi married Queen Salote (then Crown Princess) on September 19, 1917. They had three children—Crown Prince Tuboutoa and Prince Jione Ngu are at present in Australia, and a third, Prince William Tukuaho, died in 1936.
In the 1937 New Year Honours, Tugi was created a Commander of the British Empire.
Loyal Prince Tugi
From Our Own'Correspondent SUVA, July 26.
THE task of being a Prince Consort is not an easy one. Prince Tugi of Tonga filled the position better than
The late Prince Tugi and Queen Salote.
most. It is some years since he was seen in Suva, but before that he passed through fairly frequently, and was al ways a popular figure. Certainly he was foremost among the influences in Tonga which has made that little Protectorate so outspokenly loyal to the British Empire.
Royal Condolences
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth sent personal messages of condolence to Queen Salote. Other messages of sym pathy were received from the Colonial Secretary (London); from Sir Harry Luke. KCMG, High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, who described the late Prince Tugi as “a forceful, patriotic and able leader”; from the Governor-General of New Zealand (Sir Cyril Newall); and from the acting NZ Prime Minister (Hon. W. Nash).
Sympathy Expressed In Sydney
“Depart O Father to the people!
Depart to Te Reinga, the meeting place of Spirits!
We who remain mourn your passing.
The prow of the great canoe is broken. ...”
A chant for the dead, which is only sung on the occasion of the passing of a great chief, was recited by Noho Toki, chief of Ngati-Kahungungu, when in a simple but impressive ceremony at the
Pacific Islands Society’s gathering on July 30 he expressed the sorrow of mem bers at the death of Prince Tugi.
Before the singing of this poroporoaki, or farewell dirge, members stood in silence.
Mr. H. R. Rabone, a boyhood friend of the late Prince, who had known him at Newington College in the 90’s (and whose family had been associated with that of Tugi for more than a century) moved a resolution of condolence, which will be conveyed to Queen Salote.
The following message was read from Prince Tuboutoa in reply to one from the secretary (Mr. Eric Ramsden); “I hope you will be good enough to communicate, on behalf of my mother, brother, and myself, to the president, councillors, and members of the Pacific Islands Society, my gratitude for their sympathy in the loss of my father. I am very grateful indeed for this expresion of sympathy,”
Tongan Princes To Return
rr\HE first impulse of Tuboutoa was to JL return at once to Tonga. However, it has since been decided that the Prince, who is more than half way through his law course at the University of Sydney, will visit Tonga at Christmas time, and return early next year to com plete his studies.
Prince Jione Ngu, who recently came
to Newington College, Sydney, will return to Nukualofa almost immediately. But he will accompany his brother on his return to Australia next year. It had been planned by Tugi that his youngest son, Jione Ngu, should take a course in tro pical agriculture before he returned to the Islands.
It was unfortunate for Queen Salote that neither of her sons should have been with her at this time. She lost her second son, Prince Tukuaho. four years ago.
Mr. J, Ahearn, administrative super intendent of Australasian Petroleum Co., at Port Moresby, Papua, is being relieved bv Mr. L. A. Morris, chief accountant, while on furlough in Australia. Mr.
Ahearn arrived in Sydney by airliner last month with Mrs. Ahearn and their two children.
Mr. W. J. S. Brabant, of the Fiji Treasury, was in New Zealand in July on short furlough.
Facsimile of the Royal Funeral Notice, announcing the order of the funeral cortege.