Tonga's Queen Sālote visits Australia - ABC International Development

In December 1952 Her Majesty, Queen Sālote Tupou III of Tonga, delivers a speech on 'Women's Session' about matters of trade and the close relationship between Australia and Tonga.

Queen Sālote: It is always a great pleasure to me when my journeyings give me an opportunity to visit Australia. I like your warm sunshine. It reminds me of Tonga, and I like the kindliness of the people too. I appreciate very much the generous hospitality that is always extended to me. I wish to thank His Excellency, the Governor General and Lady McHale for their kindness. Also the acting Prime Minister, so other Fadden for his message of welcome and for the many evidences of these generous care, that my stay among your will be happy. I would like also to express my thanks and appreciation to the many friends who have kept my rooms a bower of beauty with very lovely flowers that have come day by day. My Little Kingdom is closely allied to Australia, we are on the same exchange rate on account of our business relationships. We have a good sum of our credits invested in your war loans. We buy from you all our flour, rice and sugar, and most of our hardware, building materials and textiles. Tonga, like you has enjoyed a considerable amount of increased revenue from the high price of primary products. Copra - our chief export - has been much in demand since the war, and this has increased the spending power of the people. Now I can assure you, they enjoy the spending. I sincerely trust that peace will be preserved and that all peoples may have opportunity to build up the national development of their lands in the way we each would wish. May the Christmas tide be to you all a time of goodwill and rich blessing. And may the future years come to you with increasing prosperity and happiness, is my earnest wish.