TONGA.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 581, 29 April 1876, Page 4

TONGA.

We {Southern Cross) are in receipt of the third number of the Tonga Times, which is dated "Nukualofa, March 18th."

Perhaps more information can be given respecting Tonga by making an index of the advaitisements than in any other way. These are as follow:—Respecting sailiug of the Government schooner to Sydney ; sailing of brie: Vision to New Zealand ; sailings of the Martha and the Mary Melville to Auckland ; the German fleet of Messrs J. C; Godeffroy and Sons, the Industrial School, Tonga, the manager of which is prepared to take contracts for the buildng of cottageß, &c ; Government Bank of Tonga ; City Commercial Restaurant, where meals can be had at 2s, weekly b arders, 255; a photographic artist '• by appointment to his Majesty King George Tubau. The last advertisement we do not understand. It is, " Wanted to buy a Kava Kumeti."

Tonga, as our readers are aware, is ruled by King George, who is supported by the influence of the misssion* aries. The " sensation" of the last isaue of the Tonga Times is that some of the white residents have drawn up a memorial asking for a British Consul or Vice-Consul, " so as to counteract the overweening influence of the missionaries, which is rampant here." The memorial was presented to Mr Layard. The Times is not well pleased at this step, and remarks:— " We are not opposing British subjects making complaints to their Government, should they have i ast cause to do so ; but we think it is a pity for any one to make such paltry complaints as have been made, thereby endangering the kindly feeling that bas hitherto existed between the King and Government and the white residents. For we are bold to say that British subjects

have as much freedom, and a 3 much protection and justice as they can obtain in their own laud, nay, we might almost say more." On February 14th, Consul Layard, accompanied by Captain Suttie and his aide-de-camp, left H.M.S. Nymphe, at ten o'clock, under a salute of seven guns, to pay an official visit to the King. The Rev S. W. Baker was present at the interview and acted as interpreter. • The interview lasted about an hour, and, as it was a strictly official one we are not at liberty to publish any particulars. On Tuesday, His Majesty paid a visit of inspection to the vessel. Shortly after ten o'clock, his Majesty left the beach in his twelve-oared boat, accompanined by his Aide-de-camp, and the Rev S, W. Baker, and the Rev J. E. Moulton, As he neared the man-of-war, the yards were manned. After the usual ceremonies and introductions. His Majesty was shown the vessel and expressed himself as very pleased at what he saw. On leaving the ship, the yards were again manned, and a royal salute of twentyone guns was fired. The Nymphe sailed hence on the following Sun Jay afternoon, February 20th, to Eua for sheep, and she was to proceed from thence to Vavau, and back to Fiji. Great fears have been entertained during the past month about the King's health, but we are glad to be able to report that, through the medical skill of the Rev S. W. Baker, his Majesty is now so far recovered as to attend the meetings of his church, and also to attend to his other duties in connection with the Government.