Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, July 14-17, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Taimion July 14 reports on a meeting between Labour Party Tonga and the New Zealand Immigration Minister Hon. Shane Jones. They were seeking to open doors for their compatriots who are overstaying.

The Kele'a on July 16 quotes the treasurer of the New Zealand Tongan Society for Political reform in Tonga, Makahokovalu Pailate, as saying that the root cause of the political problems in Tonga is the Constitution; he did not elaborate.

The Kele'a reports that the European Union sent Dr. Sitiveni Halapua to conduct a 3-day seminar on political change for ministers, nobles and the People's Representatives.

The Talaki on July 17 reports that 'Ofa Vola of Ha'avakatolo had died while in police custody. 'Ofa was taken by the police to the Nukunuku jail, after he and a friend were struck by a vehicle driven by youths from Fo'ui. His friend Uanoa 'Ahoafi was taken to hospital. It followed a brawl between the youths of Ha'avakatolo and Fo'ui.

A foreigner will crown the King. Rev. 'Ahio the Royal Chaplain said that in Tongan culture, the head and brain are sacred. Rev. 'Ahio and two other ordained ministers will assist Anglican bishop Jabez Bryce.

The Kalonikalion July 17 headlines the sentencing of Tu'iono Kauvaka (28), to eight months imprisonment for hitting his mother on the head with a metallic chair because his mother Filomena had refused her son's request for money.

Part of a certain Java cedar tree from Kolovai, associated with the investiture of the first King of the Kanokupolu dynasty, will be used in the construction of His Majesty's seat for the royal kava ceremony on August 2.