A collection of news-briefs from The Tonga Chronicle, Ko e Kele'a, Taimi 'o Tonga, Radio Tonga. For more details of these stories, feel invited to buy a paper from one of the locations mentioned in our Tonga Media pages

With the impeachment process nullified by Parliament the People's Representatives (not completely unanimous) rallied supporters for a march on Parliament to present a petition pressing that the constitution has been broken by the Minister and should be tried accordingly, not forgiven. The march, numbered by the Tonga Chronicle as between 100 to 200 (The Tongan language edition prints 100, while the English edition prints 200) who together with elected representatives of the people presented their petition to the Parliament clerk.

Uili Fukofuka, the dissenting people's representative who did not vote/agree with the continued impeachment process, explains that he supports the notion that the apology be accepted. The member for parliament reminds us that people are innocent until the courts pronounce a guilty statement, and in his opinion the Minister for Justice is still innocent. The member makes three points of argument for his decision:

1. Politically, it would seem strange to renounce judgement for plaintiffs, but life moves on and the Rule of Law is our means of keeping harmony in society. Politically, not proceeding with the impeachment process may have undesirable ramifications but he places his faith in God.
2. Legally, the impeachment has centred on the Minister's continued leave without authorisation when he was contacted by facsimile from the Chairman's office informing him his request for leave has been denied. The Chair has accepted the Ministers apology, which destroys the legal case.
3. Ethically, the funds the Minister 'misappropriated' were given to him by the pay clerk, which can be interpreted was an authorisation of the Chair. Uili Fukofuka continued that the Minister was in error by not returning from Atlanta but the Minister had apologised that he had duties which he was committed to, and there he has a punishment for incomplete ethical behaviour.

Uili Fukofuka noted that the only difficult thing regarding the discussions is the desire to forgive. If the intentions of penalising a person is bend their will until they seek forgiveness, the Minister has already reached that point and stated his apologies.

The Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries has shown confidence in a local farmer's efforts by sponsoring his application for financial aide, met by the Netherlands Embassy, Wellington. The funds of about TOP$10,000 has gone into assisting Mr. 'Aleki Kanongata'a's construction of a large pool divided into four fenced-off sections of varying depths with rocks and sand to duplicate the crabs varying habitats.

Mr. 'Aleki Kanongata'a's prowess in finding crabs in all seasons, weather, together with the lack of a farming allotment became an impetus for Mr. Kanongata'a to begin experimentations into crab farming in 1992. Crab fishing became the best way for Mr. Kanongata'a to finance his childrens education and for the financing of other family essentials.

The Kingdom's first privately owned mortuary and embalming service began operations this week. The Nuku'alofa Mortuary and Embalming Service is expected to provide families with more time before burial of their loved ons such as allowing time for relatives from outer islands and overseas to participate in the wake and funeral rites.

 The Kingdom's new release of stamps emphasisethe Native fungi, a 12 four-coloer set designed by Derek Miller of six native fungi. Available in souvenir sheets, four sheets combine to make up three complete sets of 12 stamps.

Viliami Ofahengaue's international rugby exile is over after the punishing backrower was fast-tracked into the Wallaby squad for this month's tour of Argentina and the UK.

The big O, who had a sensational club year with premiers Manly, was added to the 34-man line-up after ACT second-rower David Giffin failed a fitness test on his injured back. Willy has found an ally in new Australian coach Rod Macqueen. The wallaby boss is an unashamed fan and was delighted to end the 29-year-old's frustrating wait for a international recall. "i had Willie in my side when i was coaching NSW in 1991 and he made an enormous contribution and i'm sure he'll do the same with the Australian side," Macqueen said yesterday.

"This is a four Test tour in a short space of time and he has an opportunity to figure if his form is good enough." Ofahengaue's return to Wallaby colours is great reward for sheer perseverance and determination.

Not noted as a strong trainer, the big O ripped into his pre-season work this year, shedding several kilos in the process and stripping the fittest he has ever been. He was treated shabbily by the NSW Super 12 selectors, but the Waratahs' loss proved to be Manly's gain. The big O won countless man-of-the-match awards--almost cutting some players in half with his ferocious defense--on the Blues' charge to the permiership, leaving many to question why he wasn't back on the representative circuit.

Sione Kepu, residing in New Zealand, has recently signed a contract with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union to play Rugby for New Zealand. Sione left last week to continue his education in England but the contract is to assure New Zealand of his loyalties when representative honors are given. In the meantime Sione hopes to improve his game, and education with the Woodhouse High School in Bradford.

• The Republic of China's  national day was celebrated at the embassy early this year to allow the ambassador to enjoy the celebrations in Taiwan this year.
• Government representatives visiting the Niuas see potential in the natural produce from Niua and hope to develop export crops to help the 711 islanders.
• The Pacific Islands Law Officers Meeting will be hosted in Nuku'alofa from Oct. 14-16.
• PATCO, which had its complete facilities burned to the ground, is back in operation after acquiring the former Lesieli's Restaurant site and acquiring new stock.
• Vava'u Telecom to increase the number of available phone lines by 1,500

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