TONGATABOO. 



15 



King George, or Taufaahau, is building his town near by, just 

 without the fortification of King Josiah ; it is an enclosure of four 

 hundred yards square ; the fence consists of close wicker-work, made 

 of the small sugar-cane, and in order to make it stronger, several 

 thicknesses are put together; this makes a more effective defence 

 than one would imagine ; it is about eight feet high, and trimmed off 





Ai. .. - j^i_ : y '_'_ ** ,„ . v 



TONGA FENCE. 



on the top, and when new has a very pretty appearance. The per- 

 manency and arrangement with which the town is laid out, make 

 Taufaahau's intentions quite evident. The avenues cross the square 

 diagonally, the gates being at the corners, and in the centre is a large 

 area, left for a chapel. 



King George's house is near by : it was originally built at Hihifo, 

 for a chapel ; the chief of that place gave it to Taufaahau, and it was 

 divided into three parts, and brought to Nukualofa in canoes. On 

 my visit the king was not at home, but Mr. Tucker asked me to 

 walk in. The building is not a large one : it is divided into three 

 apartments by tapa screens, and was partly furnished ; among other 

 articles of furniture was a hair-seat sofa, of modern fashion, good 



— ■£ £«;>-•_ 



king george's house. 



mattresses, trunks, and various other articles of foreign mairufacture. 

 I observed many decanters and tumblers on a shelf, the former well- 

 filled to appearance with spirits and gin ; but I had no opportunity of 

 knowing actually what the contents were. Many of the queen's 

 waiting-maids were present, arranging the house previous to her 

 arrival ; she was hourly expected from Hapai, and is reported to be 

 the most beautiful woman in the group. The new town is rapidly 

 progressing ; great regularity exists, and every thing is so arranged 



