Tongan Bernadette

Belief In A Faith Healer

From a Special Correspondent,

Nukualofa, Nov. 17.

PERHAPS this may not interest the sophisticated and fast-living world; but perhaps the supposed gifts of a young Tongan girl are still worth recording, nonetheless.

Here is a picture of Taufa Motulalo Takai, who is causing a lot of talk throughout Tonga because of her al leged faith-healing power. Most Ton gans believe in this young girl, and her fale (Tongan house) is crowded day and night with either sufferers from all kinds of ailments, or relatives of sufferers who are too ill to go to her. There are many reports of “cures” she has effected— among these being typhoid cases, rheu matics, lock-jaw, leprosy, ulcers, heart disease, children’s complaints, etc. Pure drinking water, repentance, prayer and complete faith in God are what Motulalo prescribes for her sufferers. She has been credited, it is reported, with using her powers at the Royal Palace lately.

I had difficulty in persuading her to have her photo, taken, for she greatly dislikes publicity.

She has always a happy face; her manners are graceful without the slightest suggestion of acting: she answers questions quickly and to the point, in a soft musical voice. Her birth place i£ Neiafu, Vava’u. She is 23 years of age, and a member of the Free Church of Tonga. She was educated in her Church mission school, and she says her self that she was a very dull pupil. Her confidence in her power to heal the sick is tremendous. She believes it has been divinely inspired—even to the date the

gift was given her (June 13, 1947).

Motulalo politely refuses all offers of payment for her work.

Mr. Lloyd E. Ambler, who has given nearly 40 years of service to the Fiji Government and the Western Pacific Commission, in which he filled many re sponsible positions, arrived in Sydney in November, on leave, prior to retirement.

Mr. Ambler’s most recent service was in the Solomons.

Taufa Motulalo Takai.