Tongan Royal Weddings

Postponed Mild 'Flu Epidemic

rpHE double Royal wedding in Nukua- X lofa, Tonga, which was to have taker place on June 3, has been postponed until at least June 10 and perhaps to a later date. The reason for this is an outbreak of influenza on Tongatabu which at the end of May was reported to be affecting 5,000 Tongans.

Earlier in May there was a similar out break of the disease in Western Samoa and Tongans are blaming the May visit of the “Matua” for transmitting the epidemic to Tonga.

When the Crown Prince does marry Mata’ aho ’Ahame’e and Prince Fatafehi Tuipelehaka (John) mairies Melenaite Veikune, every Tongan who is physically able will attend the celebrations and there will also be parties from neighbouring Pacific groups and from Australia end New Zealand.

The Rev. Roger Page who spent so many years in Tonga as head of the Methodist Church and who has been living in retirement in Australia for the past year, will be there, with other mem bers of the Methodist Church. So also will a party of 14 Maoris from New Zea land, including Princess To Puea Herangi.

JUNE 14: The double wedding took place in Nukualofa, on June 10. A full report will be published in July issue of

“Pim.”