Tongans
p. 16 · Read in the full issue
want more MPs
Tonga’s Legislative Assembly co siders it should have more member The assembly in a motion respon ing to the Address from the Throi opening the latest session of parli ment, sought an amendment to tl constitution to increase the numb of members because of populatic growth and other matters.
Masao Paasi, Vavau People representative, said there were sev( representatives of the people in 191 when the population was only 20,00 There were still only seven people representatives, with the populatic close to 100,000.
The Hon Luani said that in 18' the House consisted only of noble Later seven cabinet ministers ar seven representatives of the peop were added. A few years ago tl number of ministers was increase to eight. It was time to considi increasing representation for boi nobles and people.
The House carried the motion I 15 votes to two. The “antis” wei the Acting Minister of Finance, I Sione Tapa, and the Hon Have Tu’iha’angana, Haapai Nobles repr sentative.
In future, a prayer may be sa: before the King gives his Addre from the Throne at the opening < session. The assembly debated fe two hours, before carrying by I votes to six, a motion asking that tl request for a prayer be sent to h
Majesty-in-Council.
The Hon Luani, No 1 Noble Representative, Vavau, moving tl motion, said it seemed the House wi neglecting the religious side and tl implications of the motto, “God an Tonga are my inheritance”. Polic Minister, the Hon ’Akau’ola, i principle in favour of the motio: said the Legislative Assembly regi lations would have to be amende* and anyway there was no officii pastor to say the prayer.
There were now 14 denominatior in Tonga. If the House saw fit 1 select from three or four churche what would the other churches sa> And if all 14 denominations wei used, it would take a whole day t
open parliament.
The Hon Ma’afa was unconcerne who would say the prayer; the reaso for a prayer was to seek divine guic ance an 4 inspiration so that membei could carry out their obligations t the best of their abilities.