TAHITI. 19 



and free argument is allowed. The testimony is not given upon 

 oath, but the penalty for giving false evidence is severe. The jury is 

 composed of six persons ; and every one has the right of being tried 

 by his peers. 



The reigning queen is named Aimata, but is more usually known 

 as Pomare IV. She is the sister of the late king, and grand-daughter 

 to that Pomare (I.) who acquired the sovereignty of Tahiti, soon after 

 its discovery. She is now (1839) about twenty-seven years of age, 

 and has been twice married : the first time to Pomare, a young chief 

 of Tahaa, from whom she was divorced ; the second, to a young chief 

 of the island of Huaheine, by whom she has one son, the heir of the 

 throne. The general appellation he goes by is Pomare taue, equiva- 

 lent to king-consort. 



Next in rank to the queen, is her aunt, Ariapaca, the elder sister 

 of her mother, and at one time queen-regent. She still possesses 

 great influence. 



In case of failure of the queen's posterity, the next heirs to the 

 throne are the princesses Ninito and Taii, who are the queen's 

 cousins, and nieces to Pomare II. 



Uata, the godfather of the queen, although not a chief by birth, 

 has from this connexion, obtained great influence in the queen's 

 councils, and may be termed prime minister. 



The seven judges of the supreme tribunal are nominated by the 

 queen, but the nomination must be confirmed by the legislature. 

 Those who at present hold the office are all large landholders, and 

 men of the highest character and intelligence to be found in the 

 population. They are in fact the rulers of the kingdom. Five of 

 them, viz. : Paofai, Mare, Utami, Taati, and Tanoni, reside on the 

 island of Tahiti ; the other two, Ruetone and Mahine, at Eimeo. 



In spite of the small extent of the kingdom, it is not without sub- 

 jects to distract its councils. There are two distinct parties : the one 

 led by the queen and the missionaries; the other, by some of the 

 chiefs. The leaders of the latter are Paofai, Hitoti, and Taua, who 

 are descended from the ancient kings dethroned by Pomare I. These 

 chiefs have large domains, and many of the raatiras (landholders) 

 take part with them. They are, besides, distinguished by qualities 

 which give them consideration among the islanders. Paofai, who 

 has more than once been spoken of, holds the office of chief judge, 

 and is considered as the best statesman on the island. Hitoti is 



