Wealth Is Ruining Tongans'

WHEN Mr. R. J. Harrison, retir ing headmaster of Tonga High School, arrived in Auckland aboard the Tofua in late May, Auckland newspapers reported him as express ing the opinion that copra-prosperity was spoiling the Tongans. Servants were now difficult to obtain, unreli able, “light-fingered, and even heavy fingered”; many Tongans were richer than the Europeans.

Mr. Harrison was reported as say ing that the Tongans were keen on managing their own affairs, and many had already shown themselves as capable administrators, although others would have to shed their less desirable customs and apply them selves in the European way.

Nevertheless, Mr. Harrison con sidered Tonga a pleasant, though ex pensive, place to live, and he- felt that he might return there.

Mr. Harrison said that he had one native and four European assistants at the High School, where he was for six years. It has an attendance of 104 pupils. Since it was opened in 1947 pupils have been forbidden the use of the native language in the school and playground. As a result, native pupils’ standard of English has

improved markedly.

The first native pupil ever to sit for the School Certificate did so last year. Although he passed in all sub jects, he failed to gain the necessary pass-marks. However, this year he and others are expected to pass this examination.

A daughter was born on April 21, in King George Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jameson, of Rabual, New Guinea.

Mrs. Jameson with the new arrival (named Vicki Leoni) expects to return to Rabaul on May 31.

Rabaul (NG) native stevedores broke into a case of whisky during the unloading of the March Bulolo and disposed of about 10 bottles.

One native was taken from ihe hold in a sling, another was dragged up to the deck by an iron ladder.