THE KINGS MILL ISLANDERS. 89 



tions of the naturalists and officers, I have little doubt that the 

 manners and customs of the other islands, with the exception of 

 Makin, are very similar. 



On Tarawa there is also a king, as well as on Makin ; but it 

 appears that this has only been the case on the latter since the time 

 of the grandfather of the present king, called Teouki. The acquisi- 

 tion of royal power by him was said to have been effected only 

 through a series of bloody wars, which established his authority so 

 firmly, that peace and quietness have reigned for a century ; nor has 

 any attempt been made on the part of the conquered chiefs to regain 

 their independence. 



The government, is carried on after the simplest patriarchal form, 

 the king- contenting himself with receiving the tribute due him, 

 without intermeddling with the administration of the affairs of the 

 separate towns over which he rules. 



According to Kirby, a king governs also on Taputeouea or Drum- 

 mond's Island ; but it has been seen by the experience of the Peacock 

 that his power was far from being paramount, it having been con- 

 tested by a large portion of the island. 



There are places where the royal authority does not supersede all 

 other, and where the government is carried on by the whole body of 

 chiefs, who take rank according to their age. In these places, for the 

 purpose of accommodating all, there is in every town a large council- 

 house, called the mariapa, one of which has been before described. 

 In it every family of rank has its particular seat, along the side of the 

 house ; the middle being occupied by the katokas and kawas, or 

 landholders and slaves, neither of whom have any voice in the affairs 

 of government. 



When a meeting is deemed necessary, the oldest or presiding chief 

 sends out his messengers, whose business it is to summon the people, 

 which is done by blowing conchs in all directions. The council then 

 assembles, when the head chief lays before them the business, and 

 any one is at liberty to speak, and if he be so disposed, delivers his 

 opinion. The discussions are said to be at times very animated, and 

 violent quarrels sometimes take place between different speakers, who 

 are with difficulty prevented from coming to blows by those who are 

 present. No regular vote is taken ; but the opinion of the majority 

 is very soon ascertained, and this decides the business. 



The chiefs have absolute rale over their own families and slaves, 

 vol. v. 23 



