138 the “ hahenga”, an annual feast. 
bones of all belonging to several united tribes are 
taken down, and removed to their last resting- 
place, in or near the sacred grove. At this meet- 
ing, many tribes assemble from a distance ; much 
merriment and feasting goes on ; many political 
matters are settled ; and the arrangements of the 
ensuing year are made, for fishing or for war. 
The following is the ceremony used at the re- 
moval of the bones. — When the friends arrive at 
the place of inhumation, the chiefs take a small 
w’and, and touch the box, or coffin, which contains 
the body ; during which time they repeat certain 
words, as a kind of incantation : they then take 
down the box, remove the grave-clothes, wrap 
the whole contents of the coffin in a new blanket, 
and place it on the back of the principal person 
present, who is dressed up for the occasion, with 
all the feathers and finery which he can muster : 
the branch of a tree is carried before him, as he 
proceeds to the crowd, who all fall back as the 
procession approaches. 
Arrived at the place appointed, the burden is 
carefully taken from the back of its bearer, and 
deposited on a carpet of leaves ; and should any 
putrid flesh remain upon the bones, it is scraped 
off and buried on the spot. A few old women, 
dressed in their best, oiled from head to foot, and 
plastered with raddle, receive the sculls into their 
lap ; and in the presence of these mementoes of 
death, the Pihi, or funeral ode, is sung ; speeches, 
long and loud, are delivered ; each person fires his 
