NIUE, OB SAVAGE ISLAND. 29 



slain, and now it has become in some sort patriarchal, the 

 head of each family managing his own private affairs as he 

 pleases, and coming to an understanding with others, under 

 the missionary's direction, in matters of common interest 

 and in the control and punishment of delinquents. The 

 morality of this little population is remarkable : the laws of 

 marriage are respected, adultery and illicit intercourse are 

 rare. Theft is frequent enough, especially as regards food 

 in general ; it is punished like other crimes by hard labour 

 on the roads. 



As the change supposed to have taken place in the dis- 

 position and social condition of these islanders is cited as 

 one of the most marvellous instances of missionary success, 

 it is a matter of some interest to ascertain to what extent 

 this pretension is justified. .Nine was first visited by Cook 

 in 1774, who, having attempted a landing, was furiously set 

 upon by the natives, and not being under any necessity of 

 spilling blood, humanely took his leave, satisfied with the 

 innocent revenge of calling it ' Savage Island.' From this 

 time the island was regarded as being the nest of an ex- 

 ceptionally truculent people. The first missionary notice is 

 thought not to dispel this idea. In 1830, Mr. Williams 

 landed two teachers upon it ; they were presently set upon 

 by the savages, who tore their clothes to fragments, and 

 seemed as if they Avould serve them in a similar manner, 

 which, on the supposition of their assailants being the 

 rudest of uncivilized men, it is rather singular they did not. 

 But, at all events, they frightened the teachers away. The 



