PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F, 419 



90. " FiLi E LE TAX SE AGAVAA." — " Let the sea determine as 

 to the quality of the canoe." 



This ilhistration is used to show that action is the best test of 

 settling disputes. Men may differ as to the lines of two canoes 

 as to which is the best, and the Samoan says, " Let the sea settle 

 the question. Put them in the water, and see which of them is 

 the best and most swift of the two." 



9L " Nei tea ma le faiga." — " Do not be far away from the 

 faiga." 



This illustration is taken from the mode of fishing called lauloa> 

 in which there is a large purse or pocket net with two immense 

 lines of leaves strung on ropes, which enclose a large space of the 

 lagoon called faiga, and are ultimately drawn together, forcing the 

 fisii into the purse. The faiga is the space in the lagoon best suited 

 for this mode of fishing, and the advice given is always to choose 

 that which has been found bj^ long experience to be the best. 



92. " E taa le Galo a e case i paaxj." — " The galo sv/ims at 

 liberty, but dies from the enemy at last." 



The galo is a very large fisii not often caught. The phrase is 

 used to express approbation of some act performed, or of en- 

 couragement to persevere until some desired object is accomplished. 



93. "O LE MAMAO A siu I TiLA." — "The far-away (distance) 

 of the top of the mast." 



The top of the mast is first seen, and then ine people know that 

 the canoe is near at hand. The distance appears to be great, but 

 the top of the mast is in sight, and the absent ones will soon be 

 home again. This beautiful illustration is used to express the as- 

 surance of reunion after death. 



94. " Usiusi FAAVAASAViLi." — " To give in to, like a canoe to 

 adverse winds." 



The idea is that of a canoe which meets with head winds and a 

 cross sea. The crew find it useless to contend against them, and so 

 give in, and let the canoe drift with the wind. It is used when 

 one party assents to the opinion and the wishes of the other side, 

 though they do so unwillingly. It is also used for obeying, as a 

 cauoe going before the wind. 



95. " Ua le se I SEU faaalo." — " \V111 you not play the game 

 respectfully?" 



The reference is to the sport of catching pigeons with a net. 

 The sport was engaged in under strict regulations and customs, any 

 breach of them being considered very discourteous. The phrase is 

 now used of any l)reach of manners. 



