320 AUSTRALASIAN AND POLYNESIAN 
when brought up in the mother’s, they become members of 
the same. 
Property is divided equally between sons and daughters, and 
the latter hold land equally with the former. A woman marrying 
into another tribe takes land with her. Leaving her husband, or 
dying childless, the land belongs to her father’s party. If there 
are children, on the death of the parents property will be equally 
divided between sons and daughters. A widow is treated very 
well; she belongs to her husband’s party, and should she marry 
again, the payment will go to them. When old they are well 
cared for by their children and friends. Orphans are adopted by 
the friends of their father and mother. 
Relatives do not marry, as they say it is one blood. Cousins 
of several degrees are called brothers and sisters. 
The married woman is fairly well treated. Some husbands are 
wife-beaters. The Kirarians (inland tribe) often kill their wives. 
She is supposed to care for the house, fetch and cook food; she 
assists in planting, but the husband does all the heavy work. 
She follows to the fight, urges the husband on, and helps in 
looting. 
THE TRIBE. 
In former ages there must have been chiefs of some power, 
but now their power is very nominal. Nowhere is there a real 
chief with kingly or priestly power to be felt. 
A people speaking one language and with like traditions we 
have called a tribe. 
Many become chiefs by force of character, prowess, large 
family connections, and plenty of food. These often come to the 
front, and the real hereditary chief sinks into insignificance. 
Sometimes a sorcerer will hold great influence over a tribe and 
neighbouring tribes. The oldest member of a family would be 
called a chief, and would be listened to in restraining from or 
urging on to fight or kill. In making peace or friendship, it 
would be done through him. Chiefs such as mentioned declare 
taboo, order feasts and dances, and have a kind of superintendence 
over others. 
There is no tribal council and no law. There is no one who 
can pass punishment on another. Only custom is honoured. 
Breaking a taboo the spirits punish. 
SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC. 
Nearly everywhere huts are built on piles; at Maiva and 
some parts of Eelema they are built on the ground. In the Motu 
district some of the villages are built at sea. The huts vary in 
kind, from the small humpy to the fine large houses of Kalo. 
Some are square, with a level ridge pole; others are round at 
