Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, March 3-6, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Talaki on March 5 reports that the Democracy Committee will carry out a survey in a month's time to determine the popularity of its eight candidates, who are now campaigning independently. The top three will then be creamed off to contest the election, with the committee's endorsement. It is expected that the rest will withdraw voluntarily, with no mud-slinging.

The Taimi on March 3 reports that the Tongan government has given the Chinese government US$25,000 as assistance for the difficulties caused by severe snow storms that have been battering China since January, the cost of which is expected to reach $4.5 billion.

The Kele'a on March 5 reports that Minister of Finance Siosiua 'Utoikamanu was so busy raising money to buy out Shoreline and with his other duties, that he was unable to attend meetings convened by the Prime Minister; much to the disappointment of the latter.

The Kalonikali on March 6 reports on revelations in the Supreme Court on how defendant Soane Kohinoa, burning with fervent love for his wife, tried to scare her with a firearm into reuniting with him. But on being told that she carries her lover's child, Soane expressed his anger in such a manner that he ended up being charged with attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm, from which he was acquitted. He pleaded guilty to other offences. His wife, the complainant, cast herself as the erring party and begged the court for mercy on her former spouse.

The Taimi on March 6 reports on the sentencing of a 13-year old serial offender to nine months imprisonment for housebreaking and theft. In summing up, Mr Justice Warwick remarked on the gravity of the boy's crimes, his lack of remorse, and past efforts to rehabilitate and spare him from going to jail.