152 A MISSION TO VITI. 
rasped sugar-cane, were brought in and presented to 
Chief Kuruduadua, who, after accepting the gift through 
his speaking-man, again presented it to us. We had to 
go through the same ceremony of accepting the food, 
and had also the obligation to distribute it amongst the 
whole travelling party. This task was accomplished 
satisfactorily by Danford, whom his long life amongst 
the mountain tribes of Viti Levu has made familiar with 
all their complicated ceremonies. 
After supper the kava bowl was brought out. Whilst 
the beverage was preparing the whole assembly chanted 
songs ; and when ready, Danford gave the toast, and the 
cup-bearer handed the first cocoa-nut full to the chief. 
As soon as our bowl was empty, another and another 
was prepared, until the whole company had been served. 
Fortunately, kava, unlike distilled spirits, does not make 
people quarrelsome ; it has rather, like tobacco, a calm- 
ing effect; and when Fijians extol the virtues of their 
national beverage, they often, and justly, make this ob- 
servation. 
When leaving Nayua we had more volunteers for 
accompanying us than there was any occasion to em- 
ploy, and we were compelled to reject the services of a 
good many. Amongst them was a young chief, named 
Soromato, or, as his companions nicknamed him, “Monte- 
monte.” I told him that I did not wish to crowd our 
canoe, and he must stay behind; but he declared that 
he had made up his mind not to leave me as long as I 
was in the island. I told him I would not have him on 
any account, and if he did not take himself on shore 
directly, I would pitch him in the river. He intimated 
