SOUTH SEA ISLAND NEWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2269, 20 October 1891, Page 3

SOUTH SEA ISLAND NEWS.

Tidings have been received by mail of a fresh feud between the Free Church and Wesleyans on the Island of Haano, in the Baabaa group. After Mr Moulton’s late visit the Wesleyans were desirous of re-establishing their religious services where they had been suppressed by the old “law of the six.” Some of the principal people of Haano, who were Free Church, were annoyed at strangers coming to their villages to take part in the re-establishment of the services, and endeavoured to get the “ law of the six ” enforced, and a religious boycott established. The windows of a chapel are said to have been smashed, and some of the Wesleyans alleged to have been illtreated. The Tougan Government will deal with the matter and punish the offenders if the charges are proved. It is stated that an insect pest is attacking the orange crop and cocoanuts in Tonga, and also the tobacco plants. Mr Basil Thomson, late As-sistant-premier, who is in Auckland, has received a jar of specimens of the insect, and is forwarding the same to Sydney, and will probably send some to Dr Hector and Mr Maskell. It is understood that Tukuahoa, Native Premier of Tonga, staying at Auckland, has received letters from the Tongan Government that the Baker pensions are to be stopped. They were £SO a year each for life to Shirley Baker’s daughter and son for injuries and wounds received by them at the attempted assasination of Mr Baker when Premier of Tonga. The Government, however, intend to pay Mr Baker’s claim of £4OO for arrear of salary as Premier.