3io THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



been told that English gentlemen do not go to church more 

 than once a day. We got our religion and laAvs from the 

 English. Why then should we not imitate their religious 

 customs f 



The religion referred to is that of the Protestant mission- 

 aries, and, of course, the established religion is Protestant ; but 

 toleration of all other creeds is the rule in Tonga, and no 

 oppression of minorities is permitted. It is a far cry from 

 Livadia to Tongatabu, but ' Holy ' Russia might take a lesson 

 from the ' savages ' of the South Sea, and possibly be able to 

 reduce her Polish garrisons. 



The Tongan laws are generally just, and are very strictly 

 enforced. The statutes are printed, and distinctly understood 

 by all the people. There is a strong flavour of Sabbatarianism 

 about some of the edicts, which of course indicates their origin ; 

 but it seems to me that it is far better for the Tongans to hold 

 curiously strict notions as to how to conduct themselves on the 

 first day of the week or, as they would call it, in Jewish 

 parlance, the Sabbath than to strangle children in sacrifice to 

 heathen deities. 



The laws of Tonga forbid the sale of land to foreigners, but 

 it is permitted to be leased on such liberal conditions and for 

 so long a term as to be tantamount to an actual sale. All 

 traders, planters, or permanent foreign residents not in the 

 service of the Government, are obliged to take out a license. 

 Spirits and some other articles pay a heavy duty. All the 

 people contribute to the support of the state, the tax being on 

 an adult male about six dollars per annum. 



All the great islands are traversed by broad roads laid out 

 by a European engineer. They are formed and kept in repair 

 by the labour of convicted criminals. There is an efficient 

 police force, and for the defence of the country all able-bodied 



