TAHITI. 17 



wants, and takes away that incitement to labour, which is so powerful 

 an aid in the promotion of civilization. Still, I am satisfied that the 

 Tahitians do not avoid labour, when they can work with profit to them- 

 selves. Those who were employed on board the squadron, where their 

 pay was liberal and regular, performed their tasks faithfully and well ; 

 and they bear the same character for fidelity in the whale-ships, on 

 board of which they are much employed. Some of them are now 

 engaged in the culture of the sugar-cane ; and a single native planta- 

 tion was mentioned to me, of which the preceding year's crop had 

 amounted to five tons. Coffee has also been planted, and succeeds 

 remarkably well. Much more, too, would have been done in these 

 productions had their industry been encouraged by the missionaries, as 

 a body ; but, while some of them have done their utmost to stimulate 

 the natives to exertion, others have altogether discountenanced any 

 attempts to introduce new articles of culture. 



One of the most important consequences of the introduction of civili- 

 zation has been the establishment of a settled constitution. This was 

 framed by the missionaries in 1823, upon the model of that of England, 

 and was revised in 1826. The royal authority includes the power of 

 the veto, the nomination of the supreme judges, and of all officers con- 

 nected with the person of the sovereign. The crown is hereditary, 

 descending either to males or females. The legislative power is lodged 

 in an assembly, composed of two members from each district, chosen 

 triennially by the people. This assembly is convened annually for the 

 purpose of remodelling existing laws, or enacting new ones. It has 

 also semi-annual meetings, and may be convened more frequently, if 

 necessary, for the discussion of questions of importance. All enact- 

 ments of the legislature, before they become laws, are laid before the 

 queen for her approbation and signature. When this is affixed, they 

 are carried into effect by the judges and the officers of the crown. 

 Should she refuse her signature, they are revised and remodified, or 

 laid aside altogether. 



The island is divided into seven districts, each of which has an 

 inferior court for the trial of ordinary cases. This consists of two 

 judges, who are not unfrequently also members of the legislature. The 

 decision of these courts must be founded upon evidence, and appeal lies 

 to the supreme tribunal. 



This supreme court is composed of seven judges, two of whom are 

 residents of the island of Eimeo. The judges are also executive 

 officers, and nearly all are chiefs. This double capacity gives them 

 great influence, and their power is sufficient to supply, in part, the 



VOL. II. B2 3 



