18 TAHITI. 



queen's want of energy, but at the same time serves as a check against 

 any encroachment upon the prerogatives of the sovereign. 



The powers of this court even extend to an impeachment of the 

 royal ruler. 



The mode of trial, both of civil and criminal cases, is by a jury, 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 eldest 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 



