TONGAN CORONATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 69, 16 December 1918, Page 4

TONGAN CORONATION

QUAINT PROCEDURE,

An interesting account of the coronation of Queen Snlote Tabo'u at Nukualofa is given by tho correspondent rf the Auckland "Star." After n considerable period of national mourning for King George Tabou 11, which is the native custom, elaborate.. preparations wero made for tho coronation of the Queon, which took place, first in the Tongan way, and, secondly, according to European customs. Her .Majesty, on the first occasion; wore an elaborate native costume, and was followed by about 100 women, who carried at full'length a very fine mat' about 60 feet long. A herald preceded this procession, and escorted the Queen to a canopy of green-, cry, on either side of which was seated the high chiefs of Tonga. As soon as Her Majesty was seated her attendants fell in behind and spread the mat in a fan shape at the back of the royal chair. Then followed native chants and the of fcriug of a large root of kava and other : gifts of food. The elaborate preparation <of kava was then made, and it was offered to the superior ekxle, outside, which was the Prince Consort,' Uliami Tugi, it not being etiquette for' near relations of royalty to enter the first circle. The' herald selected the food for the Queen-notably a stout sucking pig, and the kava was distributed with a great deal of formality. Loyal addresses were then given, and the proceedings terminated when the Queen retired to the palace. The European ceremony took place in the Chapel Royal, when there was'& good attendance of chiefs and people, and every provision had been made for the seating of Europeans. The Queen was handsomely, dressed on this occasion, and was attended by ler husband'and a lady-in-waiting. The ceremony of coronation was performed ty the 'Rev. J. B. Wa.tkin, who :)laeed the crown on her head, saying, "Receive the ca-own of glory, honour, and joy." The sacrament was then administered, and, after a short service and sermon, the ceremony closed with the Benediction. A reception was held later, and many Tongan and European residents paid their, respects to Queen Salote.