42 TAHITI AND EIMEO. 



The variety of costume which was exhibited at this banquet was 

 amusing. The princesses were dressed in white frocks, shoes and 

 stockings, and chip bonnets, but looked awkwardly in them, and 

 appeared more like boys in girls' clothes than women. Some of the 

 men wore full suits, — coats, vests, and pantaloons, — of a variety of 

 colours ; others had sailors' round jackets ; others again had only shirts 

 and pantaloons, all too small, both in breadth and length. Some had 

 black felt hats, of all possible fashions, and others wore them of straw ; 

 some had shoes on their feet, others had none. 



Paofai's son attracted attention by his ridiculous appearance : he 

 wore a red check shirt, light white pantaloons, that reached only half 

 way down his legs, coarse shoes without stockings, and a short-skirted 

 drummer's coat of blue, plentifully faced with scarlet. The latter was 

 so small for him, that no force would make it button upon him. To 

 finish all, he had a high-crowned conical felt hat stuck upon the top of 

 his head. 



After luncheon, they repaired to the deck, to receive the presents 

 prepared for them. These I had been advised, in order to avoid 

 unpleasant scenes, to pack in bundles, assorted to the rank of the 

 parties. In spite of this precaution, much consultation took place 

 among them, and a desire to exchange with one another was mani- 

 fested. This was particularly the case with our old acquaintance 

 Taua, and his friend Otore, the ex-minister and former favourite of 

 the queen. The presents for the queen and royal family were com- 

 mitted to the charge of Uata, who, as has been stated, appeared as the 

 representative of her majesty. 



Otore, who has been just named, is only a petty chief, but had been 

 the queen's favourite and minister, until he was dismissed in conse- 

 quence of his frequent indulgence in intoxication. He is considered as 

 the greatest orator on the island. He and Taua are boon companions, 

 and were continually on board the vessels, where they so timed their 

 visits that the hour of breakfast was sure to find them either actually 

 seated at table or awaiting an invitation. Although at first welcome, 

 the habitual intrusion of these and others upon the messes, finally became 

 an annoyance, and on board the Peacock they had at last recourse to 

 " clearing the ship of strangers" during meals. Taua did not mind 

 this ; and when we left Matavai, he was so kind as to remove to 

 Papieti, in order to be near his friends. 



Among other visiters on this occasion, I had the honour of the 

 company of General Freyre, formerly President of Chili, who has 

 chosen Tahiti as his residence. It gave me great pleasure to become 

 acquainted with him, particularly as I had it in my power to give him 



