THE AFTERMATH & THE 1862 CODE OF LAWS, TONGA. The missionaries were very concerned about this situation. They discussed the matter with Tupou I and his governors and the results can be seen in the provisions of the Code which make education compulsory (Clause XXXII). Naturally, theyre pleased about this, for it must be remembered that the only schools which xisted at this time were mission schools. One missionary wrote of this law: I am thankful to entertain the hope that the King, in conjunction with his chiefs, has enlarged our field of usefulness, by compelling parents to educate their children ... many of the parents took their children away from the school, or allowed them to neglect it; but this will not be the case in future. The people have been set at liberty by a good King, and one of their best interests has evidently not been overlooked in the enactment of such a law. Wisdom is the handmaid of Religion, and we hope that our labours to extend the Gospel, by religiously educating the rising generation, will produce much fruit. (Wesleyan Missionary Notices, April 1863:355)
Posted on: Thu, 01 May 2014 00:22:22 +0000