TONGAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2684, 2 February 1916, Page 7

TONGAN NEWS

(From Our Special Correspondent.)

Nukualofa, January 20. The question lias been asked: "What assistance has the British Protectorate of Tonga given? What is tho little island kingdom of the Pacific doing in these stirring times!-"' Taking everything into consideration, Tonga has not done badly. Three months after the outbreak of war Tonga learned the news, and' quite a- number of tho younger men, mnverl with a spirit of loyalty to the Motherland, at- once quitted tiio Islands and made for the nearest port of enlistment, whilst at intervals other eager volunteers took passage for either Auckland or Sydney. We have heard of their doings from the different spheres of action, and are glad lo know that these, men have done well and identified Tonga _ in the great struggle that the Empire is-engaged in to maintain the cause of freedom and

justice. We have another hatch of men leaving in February. Four of them arc in tho service of the Tongan Government, and leave has been granted to them for the purpose of enrolling. Our island men have not had easy opportunity of enlistment. AYo are 1101) miles lroiu Auckland—tho nearest base —our steamer service being at intervals of three weeks and five weeks.

Some of our boys have heard the great call, some arc recovering from wounds, others arc in the trenches, some- aro in tho training camps, a*nd yet others are preparing to go forward. This last batch are as eager, fit. and hardy as any man could possibly be. Contributions liavo also been maac, an amount of £350 having been collected from our British community—and wo aro a small one. The Tongan Government added £500 to the Princo of Wales' Fund, and'native contributions reached a fair amount. Over £1500 has already gone forward to the different funds brought into existence as a result of tho war. Money is still being collected monthly by tho committee of the local branch of tho Patriotic League of Britons Overseas, whilst .efforts aro being made to raise further funds by way of entertainment of all kinds.

Tho ladies of tho British community have also been up and doing. A Sewing Guild was formed, and much good work was done, the result of their work, in the way of pyjamas and other comfort®, having been sent to the Auckland Women's Patriotic League. Further efforts in this will be made as long as required, and it stands to tho crcdit of these ladies that they put in their timo on the work under tho often-iimes enervating conditions of a tropical climate. For several years past a wavo of financial depression has been over Tonga, and this can be traccd to climatic disturbances. Periods of drought and hurricane visitation have told their tale in a diminished revenue, with a corresponding decrease _ ill .the spending power of ,tho community. This has to a very considerable extent affected contributions to the different war funds, but it is known that with a return to normal conditions there will be a ready responso to appeals. Generally speaking; our community is helping in various ways, aud'it cannot be said in truth that Tonga is neglectful of her responsibilities as a protec-j torato kingdom of Great Britain. Another, willing band of lady workers has collected quite a sum of money monthly, and tho good work continues. The committee of the local branch of tho Patriotic League of Britons Overseas is a very active body, which is doing good work.