Highights from Tonga's newspapers, October 3-11, 2007. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Kele'a on October 3 earnestly asked electricity consumers to switch off between 9-10pm, starting on October 8. They say this is a protest against the tyranny in parliament and against corruption.

The Talaki on October 3 reports that eight volleyball players from Tonga's contingent to the South Pacific Games were left behind in Samoa, as they had no return tickets. The volleyball committee was forewarned by the Ministry of Sports that they would not receive grants for their air fares. The government bore the costs of returning the athletes home.

The Taimi on October 8 featured assurances from the Tonga Defence Services chief, Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, that the country is safe and attributed fear suffered by anyone else, to the scary stories in some newspapers.

After being barred from accompanying the 'Ikale Tahi to an audience with His Majesty, Tonga rugby board chairman Sangster Saulala told the Kele'a that they could have maligned the King and the country's leaders while in France, but opted not to. Captain Nili Latu chose not to attend, citing family commitments.

The Taimi on October 11 reports that Vava'u is ready to host the Pacific Forum leaders meeting and 16 arches will greet them on their way from the airport to Puataukanave Hotel.

Tongan ordained ministers in Sydney Australia have written to Health Minister Tony Abbot, expressing their concern at Australia's restrictions on the import of kava. Kava clubs were started by Tongan worship centres to attract youths away from pubs. But the government measures could reverse that.

China has spent millions on Tonga's preparation for the Forum leaders' meeting. The Chinese government built a new convention centre and donated motorcycles, cars, computers, photocopiers, and cell phones.