Notes From Tonga

New Harbour

NIUATOPUTAPU has a new harbour.

The island (better known to Euro peans as Keppels Island) is in the north of the Tongan group, and is sur rounded by dangerous reefs, which have made it difficult for ships to visit it, especially during the hurricane season.

The new harbour, off the village of Falehau, on the western side of the island, was opened up recently when Capt. Tib betts, of the Tongan government ketch, Aoniu. set off depth charges to clear a channel through the reef.

A wharf, now in process of construction, will further improve the harbour and will do much to facilitate the loading of copra of which the island produces between 400- 500 tons per year.

Vava’U Suicide

A CASE of suicide, a rare crime in Tonga, occurred in the village of Toula, in the Vava’u group, in early August. The victim, Tuione, a married man aged 26, was reported to have hanged himself after having become despon dent over heavy gambling losses.

“Tin Can’’ Island Comes To Life

NIUAFO’OU, once famous the world over as Tin Can Island, has, since the devastating eruption of 1946 and the consequent evacuation of its entire popu lation, been truly a deserted island. How ever, this year, it is once again the scene of activity. , , , At the suggestion of the Hon. Aka ola, Tongan Minister of Lands, a working party of 100 men has been sent to the island to cut copra. The plan has been highly successful; for about one hundred tons of copra have already been loaded, and it is hoped that more will be taken off the island before the onset of the hurricane season necessitates the removal of the men.