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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