THE TONGA ISLANDERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2272, 5 November 1889, Page 2

THE TONGA ISLANDERS

The British Vice Conanl at Nukualofa m the Tonga Islands, In hla last, report refers to the population, and observes that although no census has been taken, It (a believed that, like other Soath Sea aboriginal races when brought Into contact with olvlltsation, with Battled forms of Government and missionary effort, the Tongans are decreasing. A severe epidemic of a bronohlal character carried off a large cumber m the spring of last year. They are veiy subjdot to lung disease* and agreat number die ef consumption. The custom of attending religious services before daylight and leaving warm blankets either on a rainy morning or with a heavy dew oa the prats, with the thermometer perhaps at 50d«g., is not calculated to least n the uvll. The only " public nocks " carried out last yeat (no accounts of which ace published) were the enlargsment of the King's palace, a peal of balls m the King's chapel, a clock In the stoepla of the King's oburob, and two houses for in* Assembly. The Courts of Juatloe show no Improvement ; they administer justice so-oallad ; but their prooeedlngs are characterised by a dlsregired of what we call juatloe, and oy a itroDg political aud religious bl a. The magistrates, speaking generally, are pr<jadioed, and are the tools of ihoao from whom they got their appointments. British subjaats seldom or never seuk their aid. Trbdo Is improving owing t) the absence of political, oooiai, and religions turjaoll, Oopra forms more that 50 pee aeat of tbe exports,