39 
Mr. Whitmee. — I have not ventured to carry my studies much into the 
languages of Asia and Europe, so as to trace the connection. I have been 
studying the Polynesian languages, and I have been urged to carry on my 
studies into some of those that are better known to scholars, but I have 
always said, I think if I use my special knowledge in the elucidation of the 
languages which have engaged my attention and bring them before the scholars 
of Europe they will be able to show the connection. I should be inclined to 
classify these languages, as far as I can see, with the Dravidian languages of 
southern India. With regard to cannibalism and the remarks that have been 
made as to New Guinea, it is necessary that we should be told the exact point of 
observation in New Guinea, as the people are so mixed there, that a remark 
made about one point may not be applicable to another. We need more 
information with regard to the people of New Guinea before we can generalize 
to any great extent. As to cannibalism, I know that there are cannibals in* 
New Guinea at the present time and also in the islands round about ; but 
there are people in New Guinea who are not cannibals. There is no doubt 
that the remarks made on this point are correct so far as they go. 
A Member. — Was there any knowledge of a Supreme Spirit before 
Christianity was introduced ? 
Mr. Whitmee. — There was one great god, Tangaloalangi, who was wor- 
shipped all over Polynesia, and I have often thought that the traditions that 
exist with regard to this god may be some remnant of former knowledge 
which was much greater than what they now have. The name of the god I 
have spoken of means “ Tangaloa, who dwells in the Heavens.” 
Mr. Gorman. — The statement made in the Hibbcrt Lecture is strikingly 
illustrated by what is stated in this paper. The Egyptians addressed them- 
selves to the spirits of their ancestors, and finished off by saying that they 
were faithful to the great god. 
Mr. Moulton. — The god just mentioned is called “the carpenter,” or “the 
maker,” or “ framer.” He has two brothers, and a sister is also mentioned 
who was remarkable for her beauty. These things seem to point to the 
family of Tubal Cain ; but of course this is only a matter of individual opinion. 
“ Maui ” was undoubtedly Noah; and it is strange that one of the sons of 
Maui is marked out as having been of exceptional badness, and his deeds are 
notorious. In the evenings spent by the young chiefs they generally talk 
about the exploits of this wild son of Maui. With regard to the dying out 
of the people, I must join issue with the author of the paper. When Europeans 
first went to these islands, they had not sufficient knowledge of the language 
to enable them to judge accurately of the facts. It did seem, at first sight, 
from the traditions, that the island of Tonga had been more populous. As I 
got a knowledge of the language, I had grave doubts about the extent of the 
population, and I was soon convinced that the evidence pointed to the fact 
that the island had not been much more populous than it is at present. A 
great number of reasons might be given to show that it was never more populous 
than now ; but figures are the best arguments. It is difficult to get a reliable 
census. A missionary took the census of a considerable portion of the group 
