174 Cruise of the ** Alert. ^^ 



As we returned to the village we found that the natives had 

 collected in great numbers under the shade of the trees before 

 mentioned ; so we squatted down on the grass, taking up our 

 places with the chiefs party, so as to occupy the base-line of a 

 large horseshoe-shaped gathering of natives. The ceremony began 

 with the preparation of the kava, in which respect the Tongans 

 now differ from the Fijians in reducing the root to a pulpy con- 

 dition by pounding it between stones instead of the rather dis- 

 gusting process of mastication. While the national beverage was 

 being prepared, a large procession of women, gaily dressed, and 

 bearing garlands, shells, and similar offerings, filed solemnly into 

 the centre of the group, and deposited their presents at the feet 

 of Captain Maclear and myself, who were the distinguished guests 

 on this occasion. Sometimes a frolicsome girl would place a 

 garland round one of our necks, and then trip away, laughing 

 merrily. When the kava was ready, a fine-looking elderly man, 

 the second in authority in the village, acted as master of the cere- 

 monies, and gave the orders for carrying out the various details 

 of the function. As the cup-bearer advanced with each successive 

 bowl of liquor, this venerable functionary called out in order of 

 precedence the names of the different persons who were to be 

 served, beginning with the visitors, and continuing to indicate 

 each one by name, until every one of the whole vast assemblage 

 — men and women — had partaken. As soon as the kava drink- 

 ing was over, a procession of young men advanced into the midst 

 of the assemblage, bearing on their shoulders palm- leaf baskets 

 which contained pigs roasted whole, large bunches of bananas, 

 and cocoanuts, which they deposited seriatim at our feet. The 

 district chief then made a short speech, informing us, through 

 Wellington's interpretation, that these precious gifts were also at 

 our disposal. Captain Maclear replied, to the effect that we 

 gratefully accepted the present, and requested that it might be 

 distributed for consumption among the villagers. Accordingly 

 the feast was spread, and eating, drinking, and merry-making 



