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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

Hon. Fielakepa died of a heart attack at the age of 59 at his residence in Kolomotu'a on April, 19. The noble of the Ha'a Havea, whose estate was Haveluloto, Tongatapu was laid to rest April 24^th at Painitu'ua Cemetery, Haveluloto following funeral rites at the Fakamolemole Free Wesleyan Church, Haveluloto.

The Hon. Fielakepa (Paula Longolongo 'Atunaisa Aleamotu'a) joined the Civil Service in 1963 and on Nov. 17 1964, was appointed to the hereditary title and estate of Fielakepa. In 1980, he was appointed as Master of the Royal Household. He held the post until his retirement in May 1993, when he was elected as Noble's Representative for Tongatapu to the Legislative Assembly.

Tuimatamoana Produce Market, a temporary market built on the foreshores of Ma'ufanga during the construction of the new Talamahu market has been pulled down. Although many growers, peddlers, still continued to use the temporary facilities to sell their produce, the market has now been officially closed.

A host of new players (10 in all) will join the 26 players for the 'Ikale Tahi's tour of Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe from May 10-June 10.

Prop David Briggs; hookers Tau'alupe Siale and Latiume Maka; locsk Saia Moala, 'Alipate Ta'ufo'ou, and Maamakalafi Molitika; loose forwards Talanoa Tohi, and Katilimoni Tu'ipulotu, halfback Toni 'Alatini, and flyhalf Tevita 'Alatini will join as new team members. The rest of the team include prop Mana 'Otai (Captain), prop Heamasi Lavaka; hooker Fifita Fe'aomoelotu Vunipola, Lock Kuli Felatau; loose forwards Loni Katoa and Feleti Mahoni; halfback Manu Ta'akimoeaka Vunipola; flyhavles and inside centre Siua Taumalolo and Viliami Uhi; centres Fepikou Tatafu and Simana Mafile'o; wingers Tevita Manako, 'Etuate Manu, and Semisi Faka'osifolau; fullback Kusitafu Tonga; and utility back Sione Moa Latu.

The team will travel to Auckland on May 5 for further training before the final squad departs for Zimbabwe on May 10 for matches on May 14 and 17. On May 21 and 24, the 'Ikale Tahi is scheduled to play against Namibia's XV in Windhoek. In South Africa, matches are scheduled with Western Transvaal in Potchefstroom on May 28, Eastern Provice in Port Elizabeth on June 1, Border in East London on June 4, and South Africa at Newlands on June 10.

Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi are scheduled to play qualifying matches for the World Cup against Fiji in Suva on June 21, and against Cook Islands at Teufaiva (Tonga) on July 5, Western Samoa in Apia on June 28, and Fiji at Teufaiva on July 19.

Meanwhile controversy is brewing as Assistant Coach 'Otenili Tu'ipulotu has quit due to the continued confusion miscommunications on roles of officials, which were highlighted in the selection of the national team. According to 'Otenili, over 50% of the team selected by the national selection committee has been replaced and there is no reason to continue in that responsibility. After two weeks of discussions about increasing professionalism in the sport no progress has been made.

Although the government reports that distribution of foreign aid is getting quickly to people, there are still many houses without roofs (especially school buildings) and towns like Kanokupolu are still in flooding situations. Seawater washed in by Cyclone Hina are still up to 5 metres deep in some areas and water levels are knee deep in other areas. Local resident Lolo Mafi (66) explains that with Cyclone Isaac the waters went down after only a couple of days but the continued water levels is causing problems that have lasted for over a month.

• Legislative Assembly to be opened on May 22^nd. The Acting Chief Secretary to Cabinet announced Tuesday that the 97^th Legislative Assembly is to be opened by the King at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall on May 22^nd.
• The alarming increase in the number of diabetes patients reporting to the Vaiola Hospital is a concern mentions Dr. Malakai 'Ake. Too many people consume fatty meats and meat products and drink heavily sugared beverages. Dr. 'Ake urges people to replace fatty meats with more fish, vegetables, fruit, and drink coconut milk rather than canned drinks or cordial.
• 'Apifo'ou College students, friends, and patrons celebrate the 111^th anniversary of the Roman Catholic secondary school's founding on Friday.
• 'Ala Ki Hihifo Motors opens Vava'u branch on April 16 with 14 motor cars and six light vehicles.

• Accountant, Inland Revenue Department. T$6,348-T$9,570 pa.

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