202 



HA WAIL 



[LETTER XXI. 



confirmed by themselves.* The venerable lady at the head of 

 the house emigrated from Scotland to New Zealand many years 

 ago, where her husband was unfortunately drowned, and she 

 being left to bring up a large family, and manage a large pro- 

 perty, was equally successful with both. Her great ambition 

 was to keep her family together, something on the old patri- 

 archal system ; and when her children grew up, and it seemed 

 as if even their very extensive New Zealand property was not 

 large enough for them, she sold it, and embarking her family 

 and movable possessions on board a clipper-ship, owned and 

 commanded by one of her sons-in-law, they sailed through 

 the Pacific in search of a home, where they could remain 

 together. 



They were strongly tempted by Tahiti, but some reasons 

 having decided them against it, they sailed northwards and put 

 into Honolulu. Mr. Damon, who was seaman's chaplain, on 

 going down to the wharf one day, was surprised to find their 

 trim barque, with this large family party on board, with a 

 beautiful and brilliant old lady at his head, books, pictures, 

 work, and all that could add refinement to a floating home, 

 about them, and cattle and sheep of valuable breeds in pens 

 on deck. They then sailed for British Columbia, but were 

 much disappointed with it, and in three months they re- 

 appeared at Honolulu, much at a loss regarding their future 

 prospects. 



The island of Niihau was then for sale, and in a very short 

 time they purchased it of Kamehameha V. for a ridiculously 

 low price, and taking their wooden houses with them, es- 

 tablished themselves for seven years. It is truly isolated, both 

 by a heavy surf and a disagreeable sea-passage, and they after- 

 wards bought this beautiful and extensive property, made a 

 road, and built the house. Only the second son and his wife 

 live now on Niihau, where they are the only white residents 

 among 350 natives. It has an area of 70,000 acres, and could 

 sustain a far larger number of sheep than the 20,000 now 

 upon it. It is said that the transfer of the island involved 

 some hardships, owing to a number of the natives having 

 neglected to legalise their claims to their kukanas, but the 

 present possessors have made themselves thoroughly acquainted 

 with the language, and take the warmest interest in the island 



* These circumstances are well-known throughout the islands, and with 

 the omission of some personal details, there is nothing which may not be 

 known by a larger public. 



