taxes, make him Governor

The law of Taitusi of Tonga . . . When a man won't pay his

By BETTY SANFT, in Tonga

From all accounts Taitusi would be the Bulldog Drummond of Tonga since, like that gentleman, “he always got his man”. But he was not a character of fiction. He was Tongan. In the days before the psychological approach to crime detection this astute sleuth used psychology or maybe just plain native cunning, with amazing results.

The stories of his exploits are legion but best is the one about Leni, the reluctant taxpayer.

Leni wouldn’t pay his taxes, he did not owe one year but five and the tax collector in sheer desperation called in the constabulary to see if they could elicit even a little from him. He lived in a prosperous allot ment a day’s ride from Nukualofa.

The country police were no more suc cessful than the collectors. Leni was expecting them, lying in wait, in a Tongan house with a large double barrelled shot-gun at the ready.

The constables appealed to him in loud voices but were told they would be shot if they came within range of his gun. Appeals from his family, who were now afraid and eager to assist the police, were in vain also.

A free hand

The Minister of Police became annoyed at such flagrance of his authority and ordered Taitusi to travel to Leni’s village and collect him. To everyone’s amazement Taitusi was overjoyed. He insisted that he be given a free hand as his methods and requirements would be most unorthodox. He was given the summons and told to do as he liked but bring in Leni, gun or no gun.

A knowledgeable man, he knew that King Tupou IPs aide-de-camp had just received a new uniform and begged the old one from the palace.

It was an elaborate affair, with gold braid and epaulettes, just what he wanted. This he carefully folded and hung on his saddle when he set out on horseback for the country. In his breast pocket, conspicuously displayed, was a large envelope sporting the Royal Seal.

Arriving at his destination, Taitusi ignored the appeals of the relatives

who begged him not to approach the shelter. There sat Leni, in very ill humour, strained and trigger happy.

“Don’t come a step nearer or I will shoot,” he roared and ominously pointed the gun. “Shoot if you wish, replied Taitusi, moving closer, “then you won’t hear the good news I bring.”

With a flourish he drew the official letter from his pocket and proceeded to read: “My dear cousin, I greet you. I have sent my faithful servant Taitusi from his Minister to bring you the glad tidings that I want you to be the new Governor of Niuafo’ou.

Come back with Taitusi, that I may bestow on you personally this great honour,’” and Taitusi folded the paper and replaced it in his pocket.

While Leni stood thunderstruck, hardly daring to believe his ears, Taitusi with great ceremony laid the uniform of office at his feet and backed away. Then Leni sprang into action, summoning his family to help him prepare for the great honour about to be his.

Gorgeous uniform

A grand feast was prepared for Taitusi while Leni majestically moved among his people telling some they would come and help him at Niuafo’ou while others less fortunate, would stay at home. The api buzzed with activity and great was the ex citement when Leni donned his gorge ous uniform, not noticing the lack of buttons, which had been cut off to go on the new coat.

Then the horses were brought and Taitusi, as the bearer of good news, was presented with pork, poultry and yams while yet other gifts were gathered to take to the King. The

long ride to Nukualofa was gay and happy and on arrival they went to the office of the Minister of Police.

Taitusi showed Leni in with many bows and called two constables to be posted inside the door before he dis appeared.

Exalted position

Conscious of his exalted position and the bodyguard at the door, especially for him, Leni stood proudly to attention and saluted the Minister, who was too astonished to show any thing but surprise. The sight of the old rascal, so splendid in his new uniform, was almost too much for him so he shouted for Taitusi to come and perform his duty, well.

Unabashed, Taitusi again pro duced the by now famous letter and proceeded to read the written words, the charge. Thereupon the Minister called the waiting constable to strip the uniform from Leni, replace it with the black and white convicts garb, and take him to the prison compound. Leni wept bitter tears and bowed with grief, wailed of such a betrayal by his fellow man, as he was led away to custody.

Even the Minister cautioned Taitusi that he had better be on his guard when Leni had served his sentence. But he lived to a ripe old age!