THE AX C IE XT S AMO AX GOVERNMENT. 
601 
described as having been a combination of the monarchical and 
patriarchal form of government, since, although for many generations 
past the whole group was governed by one head, 0 le tupu (king), in 
whom the supreme authority was vested, the different districts were 
governed, to a great extent, by their own local authorities, chiefs, and 
heads of tribes, these being in many respects independent of each 
other ; yet, at the same time, they acknowledged the supreme authority 
of the tupu. This regal or highest title of all, 0 le tupu (king), was 
acquired by the possession of the following titles ( ao ) in the gift of 
four districts, comprising the whole of the two principal islands, 
Upolu and Savai’i, viz. : — 1, O le Tui-Aana , in the gift of Aana ; 2, O le 
lui-Atua , in the gift of Atua; 3, O le Nffutoa itele and 0 le Tama - 
soalii, in the gift of Le Tuamasanga ; and 4, O le Pule-o-Salafai , in 
the gift of Savai’i. 
“ When theso ao (or titles) were centred in one chief, his power 
was great, and extended over the whole group, since, although Tutuila 
and Manu’a gave no direct title to the king, they were represented by 
Lufi-lufi, the laumua , or leading settlement of Atua. Mauono also, 
though apparently not having any direct title to give on this occasion, 
was always consulted as to the bestowment of them. 
“ The ao (title) of Aaua was usually bestowed first, and, upon this 
being acquired, the other districts followed suit, and sent deputies to 
confer their title and assist in proclaiming the king; and, when this 
was accomplished, it was said, Ua tafiii fa ua do i le Tupu (four 
centre in one, he has attained to the crown). Upon this the chief 
thus honoured assumed the title of LeTupu o Samoa (the King of Samoa), 
and shortly afterwards made a circuit of the islands that he might 
receive the* homage and congratulations of the different districts. The 
announcement, Ua afio mat le tupu (the king is approaching), caused 
much excitement and stir in the several districts and settlements in 
the way of preparation for the visit. 
“ Following the title of Tupu comes that of 0 le Tui (or lord), 
which is always prefixed to the name of the district conferring it ; as, 
0 le Tui-Aana , O le Tui- Atua, &c. This is a much- valued title, but 
inferior to that of 0 le Tupu , or king. 
u AUi paia , or Sacred Chiefs . — Some chiefs of high rank were 
termed ali i paid , or sacred chiefs, to whom much deference was 
shown. There were twelve of these: — 1, O le Tui-Aana ; 2, O le Tui- 
Atua ; 3, Tonumaipe’a ; 4, Fonoti ; 5, Mua-ngututi’a ; 6, Tupua ; 7, 
Ngalu-ma-le-mua ; 8, Fa-mafana ; 9, Tamafainga ; 10, Malietoa ; 11, 
Tama-soali’i ; 12, Ngatoa’i-tele. These were all eutitled to bo addressed 
with the highest phrase — afio. Six other alPi paia were addressed 
with the next highest title or style of address — ‘ Susu.’ These were : — 
1, Kiromaiava ; 2, Mataafa ; 3, Le Manu’a ; 4, Fiame ; 5, Salima ; and 
O, Lavasii. To four other chiefs the highest style of address — afio — 
is appropriate, although they are not of the class termed sacred 
chiefs. These are : — 1, Taimalie-utu ; 2, To'aleafoa ; 3, Liutele ; and 
4, Afamasanga. The ao (titles) of these chiefs were in the gift of 
various places, two of the districts sometimes having the same, whilst 
Manono managed to monopolise three. 
