SAMOAN GROUP. 153 



been given, was one of these. He assumed the attributes not only of 

 a king, but of a god, and after conquering a rival district on Savaii, he 

 took, as has been stated, the name, " O le Tupu o Savaii" — the King 

 of Savaii. After he was killed, Malietoa succeeded to the same title ; 

 but it now confers no power, and is considered merely as compli- 

 mentary. 



Each district and town has its own government. An elderly chief 

 generally presides, or is considered as the head of the village, town, or 

 district. In these primary fonos or meetings, the affairs are generally 

 discussed by the alii (chiefs) and tulafales (landholders), and what they 

 determine on is usually followed. The great fono, or general assembly, 

 is seldom called, except on matters affecting the whole of the island or 

 district. The subject is calmly debated, and most thoroughly discussed ; 

 the final decision, however, is not by vote, but is adopted after consul- 

 tation, and is governed by the opinions of the most influential chiefs. It 

 thus appears that these assemblies have little influence upon the course 

 the chiefs may have determined to pursue, and serve chiefly to insure 

 the united action of the district in carrying the designs of the chiefs 

 into effect. The tulu-fano or decree, promulgated by the council, is to 

 be obeyed, and those who fail are punished by the Malo, being plun- 

 dered by them of their lands, &c. 



In the descent of the office of chief, the rule of primogeniture is not 

 strictly followed, but the authority and title always remain in the same 

 family. 



It is the custom at the fonos to compliment the head chiefs, and 

 invoke blessings on them in prayers, that their lives may be prolonged 

 and prosperous. I was informed that these assemblies were conducted 

 with much ceremony, but I was much disappointed in the one I 

 witnessed. The forms of proceeding may, however, be different when 

 strangers are not present. The fonos generally begin at an early hour 

 in the morning, and last until late in the afternoon. One of the most 

 pleasing of the ceremonies is that in which the chiefs are supplied with 

 food during the time the meeting is in session. After the food is pre- 

 pared and dished in fresh banana-leaves, the wives and daughters of 

 the chiefs attire themselves in their best dresses. They then enter the 

 fale-tele, and approach their fathers, husbands, and brothers, &c, before 

 whom they stop, awaiting their instructions as to whom they shall hand 

 the viands. When they have obeyed their directions, they retire. The 

 whole duty is conducted with the utmost decorum, and while it is going 

 on, no conversation is permitted except in a low voice. I learned from 

 the missionaries who had attended some of their meetings, that the 

 vol. ii. 20 



