390 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
or their relation to the governments of other islands, it 
has been considered necessary, as a matter of etiquette^ 
or courtesy at least, to consult Teriitaria; and hence it 
was thought desirable to submit the laws to her inspec¬ 
tion, and receive her sanction. Though affecting only 
the resident chiefs and people, and maintained entirely 
by the authority of the former, they were to be promul¬ 
gated in her name, as well as that of Mahine, and the 
other chiefs of the island. The introduction of new laws 
being a matter of importance to the nation, it was deemed 
suitable that a deputation from the chiefs should proceed 
to Tahiti by the first favourable opportunity, for the pur¬ 
pose of receiving the queen’s approval. It was also de¬ 
sirable that Mr. Barff, or myself, should accompany this 
embassage, that we might make inquiries of Mr. Nott, 
and others, relative to the adaptation of the laws in force 
there, to the circumstances of the people, and might alter, 
if necessary, those prepared for Huahine. 
