Queen Salote

Tonga's Ruler for Quarter of Century

ON October 11, 1943, Dame Salote had served Tonga as queen for 25 years; and people, in all parts of the world, took occasion to express their goodwill to one who always has appeared as a good, conscientious ruler, as well as a charming lady.

The King of England, George VI, sent the following message to Queen Salote:— “The cordial relations existing between our people are being cemented yet more

firmly by the hardships shared and the sacrifices made together in the common cause.”

A message was sent by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Churchill, in which he said that during the years of Queen Salote’s reign Tonga had steadily advanced and this small kingdom could be proud of its war effort.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Peter Fraser, telegraphed to the Premier of Tonga:— “Please convey to Queen Salote the sincere congratulations and good wishes of the Govern ment and people of New Zealand, Maori and pakeha alike, on this happy occasion of Her Majesty’s silver jubilee. We in New Zealand, so closely bound to the Polynesian people of Tonga, have greatly admired their wholehearted war effort under Her Majesty’s inspiring and vigorous leadership, and are pleased to think that this new period of the Queen’s reign opens upon a time which is ushering in a new conception of unity and mutual co-operation of all peoples.”

Her Majesty was asked to accept from NZ as a token of goodwill, an inscribed inkstand, beautifully made of silver and paua shell and mounted on a totara knot base.

Professor A. P. Elkin, of the Depart ment of Anthropology, University of Sydney, has written a small booklet drawing up 14 points for consideration in the post-war reconstruction of New Guinea. “Planters and non-native inter ests are not forgotten,” he says. “And they should be rehabilitated provided they do not jeopardise native welfare.”

A photograph of Queen Salote taken on October 11, 1938, on the completion of 20 years’ reign.