Flags at half mast on Feb. 25 for Ma'atu [1]
Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 15:45. Updated on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 16:15.
Tonga has been in mourning since the death of Hon. Ma'atu on February 17, with many businesses, homes and government buildings displaying black and violet bunting as a mark of respect for the King's second son.
Ms Lupe 'Ilaiu, of the Government Information Unit said that the Royal Family preferred to keep the funeral as a strictly family affair. Government ministeries would remain open on Wednesday, 25 February, the day of the burial at Mala'ekula, the Royal Tombs, but the Tongan flag would be flown at half-mast for one day.
Lupe said that a detailed program was being prepared. The Takipo, a night of mourning, would be held from 7 p.m,. today at The Villa. On Wednesday morning the funeral cortege will leave The Vila at 9.00 am for the Queen Salote Memorial Hall where the remains of Hon. Ma'atu will be transferred onto a catafalque to be carried by about 200 men to Mala'ekula. The bearers come from the Sia'atoutai Theological College.