Reports from Tonga's newspapers, December 17-24, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Kele'a on December 24 reports that a High Court in Auckland, New Zealand has ordered the liquidation of the Lali Media Group, which operates the Taimi 'o Tonga newspaper.

And Prince Tungi officiated at a ground-breaking ceremony for a new hospital to be built at Tatakamotonga. The project is funded by the Chinese government.

The Talaki on December 24 reports that the chief claimant to the Tu'i Ha'ateiho title was found during proceedings to be suffering from dementia.

The Prime Minister and ministers have appointed ex-Chief Secretary to Cabinet 'Eseta Fusitu'a to replace Dr. Langi Kavaliku in the Constitutional and Electoral Commission.

And the 13 rotary tillers donated by Indonesia are being distributed to farm organizations.

The Kele'a on December 17 accuses the Talaki newspaper of being an adoptee of the Prime Minister. According to the Kele'a, the Prime Minister has had a whopping 262% salary hike.

The Talaki on December 17 reports an anonymous comment that change is more likely to take place in 2011 and not 2010.

Authors Linda Ma'u and Sione Kupu have released a 50 page novel titled "Seize the Moment" to commemorate the coronation celebrations.

And a widow 'Anau Fonokalafi has filed claims against the Tonga Communications Corporation over the death of her husband Sione Fonokalafi. Sione was electrocuted in July this year when he picked up the phone at their home in Sia'atoutai. The telephone line had apparently come into contact with a power cable.

The Taimi on December 17 reports that the first brawl of the Lavengamalie Cup rugby tournament took place on Friday December 12 at Teufaiva Park, as players of under-17 teams, Silapelu Ua and Tupou College, with their supporters fought on the rugby pitch. Tupou College, however, won the rugby match.

And the Australian Customs department have seized a container from Tonga, in which 176 sacks of kava weighing four tons were hidden behind yams and taros.

The Kalonikali on December 18 reports that King George Tupou V presided at the royal kava ceremony marking the traditional bestowal of the title Tungi on the incumbent, at the royal palace on December 13. Prince Tungi's relatives from Samoa were also present. The prince is the fifth Tungi and his estates are Tatakamotonga, Fua'amotu and Navutoka.

And the regalia worn by His Majesty at his coronation are now on display at the Fa'onelua Convention Center.