42G PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F. 



146. " Ua tuu la le va'a tele." — " The big canoe has furled 

 its sails." 



This is a polite way of saying that after the principal chief 

 01 ruler has spoken, it is of little use any one else speaking. The 

 one who uses the simile may have, and may express, an entirely 

 different opinion from that which has been expressed, but it i& 

 Sanioan etiquette to commence his speech with this complimenl. 



147. " O LE NA'alOA le ua FAAIFO I LE TAOMAGA MUTIA." 



" The na'aloa (the principal pole to which a net for pigeon-catch- 

 ing is fixed) has been placed on the grass which is pressed down." 

 This is a similar compliment to that mentioned above, and is 

 used in the same way. It is taken from the sport of catching 

 pigeons with hand nets, from which so many other illustrations 

 are derived. 



148. " O LE GAOGAO o ATO TELE." — " The space of big baskets." 

 Though a large basket is not full, yet it holds a great deal 



more than a small basket which is quite full. A village which 

 has few large houses in it, but which are full of men, is better 

 than one with a number of small houses and few people in them. 



149. " O LE TOOTOO siNASiNA." — " A white staff." 



The staff meant is that of a tulafale (orator). It is used by 

 one speaking to say that he is no orator as others are, and to ask 

 for patience with hifn on that account. 



" O LE TOOTOO ULiuLi." — " Dark-coloured staff." 

 This is applied as a compliment to an old and experienced 

 orator. 



150. " Taule'ale'a usu max." — "Young men who go to their 

 families in the early morning." 



This is a term of approbation to young men who are ready to 

 Kelp in the work of the family. 



151. "O LE FAANUNU ETE LASE."— "The Crowding of many 

 baskets." 



This expresses the grumblings of a strong man in a family 

 where most of its members are weak or crippled, and have no 

 plantations of their own. He grumbles at having so many baskets 

 of food to provide for people who are not able to help themselves. 

 It is often used by men who think that the principal work falls 

 on their shoulders. 



152. " Faa tafio le tau." — " Like the top timbers of a large 

 canoe which do not match properly." 



This is a depreciatory term used by a speaker. The top tim- 

 bers, besides being of use when sailing, are also considered of great 

 adornment to the canoe. A man will use this expression to say 

 that he is like a top timber which is not properly matched ; he 

 may be of some use, but he is only of little use. 



