Tonga's Legislative Assembly did not sit today to allow Cabinet Ministers to go to the airport to farewell the king, who left for Australia.

Nobles Representative Prince Tu'ipelehake distributed copies of a letter from the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tu'ilakepa, dated October 19, requesting the consent of members for the House to postpone its sitting for a day, then resume on October 21.

The reasons for the postponement were because King George Tupou V was leaving in the morning for Sydney and most Cabinet Ministers would be at the airport to say farewell, and then Cabinet ministers would also have important meetings to attend to during the day. Therefore the House would not have its quorum.

The Speaker was hopeful that members would agree for the postponement of the proceedings of the House for a day.

The request was approved 16-4, against were Prince Tu'ipelehake, 'Akilisi Pohiva, 'Isileli Pulu and 'Etuate Lavulavu.

Prince Tu'ipelehake said that his objection was based on the fact that the letter from the Speaker had no official value because it was drafted and signed on a Sunday.