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A collection of news-briefs from The Tonga Chronicle, Lao & Hia, Taimi 'o Tonga, Ko e Kele'a, Radio Tonga. For more details of these stories, feel invited to buy a paper from one of the locations mentioned in our media pages http://www.tongatapu.net.to/tonga/news/media/default.htm

The Japanese government will sponsor the construction of a T$6.7 million vessel to conduct fishing, training, and tuna research for the Ministry of Fisheries. Baron Vaea of Houma as Minister of Fisheries accepted the offer of the 39.5m vessel with a capacity of 335 gross tonnes, speed of 9.5 knots from Japanese Ambassador Mr. Jiro Kobayashi. The vessel is intended to lead to the development of tuna fishing grounds and improvement of tuna research and human resource capabilities.

The pilot project for the extraction of natural gas from sea water, a proposal by the World Peace Corp (a South Korean organization) has been dedicated by the president of the organization, Rev. Dr. Han Min Su.

To promote and protect the Pacific Regions US$50 million fruit and vegetable industry, the United Nations Development Program and the Australian Government through AusAID are combining forces to combat fruit-flies, one of the most damaging insect pests of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Pacific. The joint effort will see cost-sharing arrangements providing US$1.77 million over the next three years channeled through projects in 21 Pacific Island countries and territories.

Although rumors abound that efforts are in place for an official autobiography, Australia author Nelson Eustis has visited the Kingdom to collect material for his own works towards a biography of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. Mr. Eustis' other work that may be familiar to readers is the title "Aggie Grey," a biography of the Western Samoan hotelier.

Students weathered an extended athletics festival caused by a lengthy first day opening program by the World Peace Corp., and a day long down pour to set 36 new records marking the 74^th inter-college event.

Medal Tally - Boys Results by School

Medal Tally - Girls Results by School

 Christian denominations, church leaders, nobility and the people of Tonga joined their Majesties King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho in celebrating the marking of 200 years since the introduction of Christianity to the islands of the Kingdom of Tonga. The days ceremonies honored Tongan nationals who had taken up the Christian calling and worked overseas as missionaries and to remember the first missionaries to land on the shores of Tonga in 1797.

The days activities involved sermons, prayers, and speeches by those who had been called overseas in the mission field. Remembrance was not isolated to those led by faith to join the London Missionary Society (LMS) and venture into the South Pacific on the ship Duff, but also for the dedicated who followed, including missionaries from Tahiti who laid much of the ground work for the latter Caucasian missionaries.

Ten missionaries arrived in Tonga on April 1797 and were given protection by Tuku'aho a nobleman of rank similar to a marquis, at Hihifo. When civil war broke in Tongatapu, four of the missionaries where killed at Ha'ateiho. By 1800, without seeming fruit from the labors, the remaining missionaries had returned to England. Two Tahitian missionaries, Hape and Tafeta continued the work of God and hallmarks of their labors include the use of the Tahitian word Pulelulu (originally meaning a day of prayer other than Sunday) which now signifies the day in the week (Wednesday) in which many Christian denominations hold church services.

In 1822, Methodist Missionary from Sydney, Australia, Mr. Lawry arrived at Tatakamotonga and in 1826 two more Methodist missionaries Rev. John Thomas, and Rev Harrison were established in Hihifo.

Wreaths were laid at a memorial service at the grave of Aleamotu'a, the 18^th Tu'i Kanokupolu, the first ruler to receive and promote Christianity. Wreaths were laid on behalf of his Majesty and by grandchildren of the Tu'i Ha'atakalaua, Mulikiha'amea, Aleamotu'a, church leaders, and missionaries who have preached the Word of God overseas.

• Tonga Football Association Committee met April 11 to select new officials. K. Naufahu secretary, M. Funaki asst., H. Savieti, national referee, T. Hafoka asst., Tongia Tupou, national Manager, P. Mateaki, asst.
• Royal Tonga Airlines opening new offices in New Zealand. Shop 28, Royal Oak Mall, 692 Manukau Road, Royal Oak. Auckland. Ph: +64 (09) 624-1539, Fx: +64 (09) 624 1873.

• Tourism Special Project Officer. Tonga Visitors Bureau. T$6,348-9,570 pa.
• 2 x Computer Assistants, Ministry of Finance. $2,480 pa
• 1 x Computer Operator Grade III, Ministry of Finance. $3,654 pa
• 1 x Computer Operator Grade I, Ministry of Finance, $5,274 pa

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