From the House, by Pesi Fonua

Tongan members of parliament left for their annual national tour this month taking a hand-out of $200,000 from the House Vote to be given away for community projects.

The Tonga Legislative Assembly broke up on Monday July 4 for the King's birthday, followed by their annual national tour.

The Chief Clerk of the House, Tevita '‘Ova, said that the House would resume its proceedings on July 25.

The national tour this year is different from tours in previous years because the House had allocated the sum of $200,000 from its $2.9 million vote to be handed out by members as a contribution from the Legislative Assembly to community projects.

Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu are missing out on this year's tour because there is no domestic air service to the isolated islands, and members thought the ferry service would take too long to get there and back.

The members who are touring are:

Tongatapu

1. HRH Prince '‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata

2. Hon. Fielakepa

3. Hon. Siosiua T. 'Utoikamanu

4. Hon. Siaosi 'Aho

5. Hon. Fohe

6. '‘Akilisi Pohiva

7. '‘Isileli Pulu

8. Clive Edwards

Vava'u

1. Hon. Veikune

2. Hon. James Cecil Cocker

3. Hon. Sonatane Tu'’a Taumoepeau

4. Hon. Tevita Palefau

5. Hon. '‘Akau'’ola

6. Hon. '‘Ahome'’e

7. Hon. Tu'’ilakepa

8. Hon. Tu'’iha'’angana

9. Hon. Tangipa

10. Samiu Vaipulu

11. Vili Helu

12. Lepolo Taunisila

Ha'apai

1. Hon Dr Viliami Tangi

2. Hon. Tu'’ivakano

3. Hon. Malupo

4. Hon. Tu'’iha'’ateiho

5. 'Uliti Uata

6. Fineasi Funaki

'Eua

1. Hon. Tuita

2. Hon. Nuku

3. Hon. Peauafi Haukinima

4. Hon. Lasike

5. Sunia Fili