UPOLU— MANONO — SAVAII. m 



Opotimo, for the purpose of delivering him up. This, however, was 

 intended only for effect; for these, as we well knew, were not the 

 real sentiments entertained by Malietoa. 



This speech was made up of short and distinct sentences, was 

 spoken in a loud voice, and contained many repetitions. 



However contrary this speech may have been to the cool determi- 

 nation of Malietoa, it seemed to meet the popular feeling, and there 

 is no saying what might have been the consequence, had not the 

 missionaries contrived to check the outburst. It was now proposed, 

 that the fono should receive and publish a document, offering a large 

 reward for the seizure and delivery of Opotuno, dead or alive. This 

 proposition was a new source of excitement, and old Malietoa ex- 

 claimed with emphasis, " Give me the paper — I will put it upon my 

 house ; where all the world shall see it." 



A copy was then nailed on the pillars of the council-house, which 

 Pea was made responsible for, and others were prepared and distri- 

 buted to the several chiefs. 



The meeting was then dissolved, and every one present evinced 

 the greatest satisfaction that the whole of the business before it had 

 been concluded in so satisfactory a manner. 



The island of Upolu is divided into three districts, viz., Atua, Tua- 

 Masanga, and Aana. Each of these was formerly governed by a sepa- 

 rate and independent chief, styled Tui. Atua occupies the eastern end 

 of the island, which extends as far as the town of Lauli ; Tua-Masanga 

 is the middle division, and includes the towns of Siuma and Safata. 

 on the southern shore; Aana lies west of this, and comprises the 

 remainder of the island. The first of these districts is of the greatest 

 extent, the second is at present the most powerful, and the third is 

 the most fertile. The union of these districts under one general 

 government, in which the island of Savaii is also included, is a late 

 event. Previous to 1830, this island had suffered from the usurpation 

 of a chief of Manono, called Tamafago, who was a great tyrant, but 

 who had contrived to cause his person to be considered as sacred, and 

 to impress on his countrymen the idea that it would be sacrilege to 

 disobey, hurt, or even to touch him. After the conquest of a rival 

 district in Savaii, he assumed the style of king of that island, " O-le- 

 Tupe-o-Savaii," a title which Malietoa now enjoys, but without 

 deriving from it any power. 



Tamafago not only ruled at Savaii with royal and divine attributes, 



