THE KINGSMILL ISLANDERS. 
101 
laughter, shouting, and joking. The clatter, noises, and singing may 
be heard for a great distance around. 
The marriage ceremony of these people is conducted somewhat 
after our own custom. A wife is never bought, but it is generally 
supposed that each party will contribute something towards the house¬ 
hold stock. When a young man is pleased with a girl, and his 
addresses meet with a favourable reception, he applies for the consent 
of her father; if this be refused, it sometimes puts an end to the affair; 
but it oftentimes happens that the young couple make a runaway match, 
and trust to a reconciliation afterwards, which usually is brought 
about. 
It would be esteemed very indelicate for a young man to ask his 
future father-in-law what dowry his wife was to receive; this is never 
made known until after the wedding, and sometimes is delayed until 
the birth of the first child. If a separation take place, which frequently 
happens, the wife takes back the land and other property which she 
brought with her. 
A few days previous to a marriage, it is formally announced to the 
relations and friends of both parties, who prepare mats, food, oil, and 
many other articles, for the festival; these are sent to the dwelling of 
the bride’s father, where the ceremony is to take place. When the day 
arrives, all repair to the house, dressed and decorated in their gala 
suits. When thus assembled, the young couple are seated in the midst 
on a new mat; the priest presses their foreheads together, and pours 
on their heads a little cocoanut-oil ; he then takes a branch of a tree, 
dips it in water, and sprinkles their faces, at the same time making a 
prayer for their future happiness and prosperity. Food is now placed 
on the mat between them, usually a particular kind of fish, with bread¬ 
fruit and taro, which they eat together. They are now considered as 
married, and the friends and relatives throng around them to offer their 
congratulations and rub noses. The feast then begins, and is continued 
till evening, when a fire is lighted in the open air, and dancing takes 
place. This festival is continued for several days; on the evening of 
the third day, the bridegroom takes his wife home. 
For ten days after the marriage, the house in which the bride lives 
is screened with mats, and she does not go out of it, but remains at 
home to receive her friends. When the wife is eight months enceinte 
for the first time, the friends and relatives of the husband prepare pro¬ 
visions and mats; those of the wife, provisions also, with iriris and oil. 
These are all taken to an amata, a house without a loft, of which there 
are several in each town, for the convenience of such assemblies. The 
two parties sit on opposite sides of the house, with their property; two 
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