THROUGH HAWAII 
323 
Hamakua, as far as the north point, brought hogs, 
tobacco, tapa of various kinds, large mats made of the 
pandanus leaves, and bundles of aipa* which were 
collected on the north bank. From bank to bank the 
traders shouted to each other, and arranged the preli¬ 
minaries of their bargains. From thence the articles 
were taken down to the before-mentioned rock in the 
middle of the stream, which in this place is almost 
covered with large stones. Here they were examined 
by the parties immediately concerned, in the presence 
of the collectors, who stood on each side of the rock, 
and were the general arbiters, in the event of any dis¬ 
putes arising. To them also was committed the pre¬ 
servation of good order during the fair, and they, of 
course, received a suitable remuneration from the dif¬ 
ferent parties. On the above occasions, the banks of 
the Wairuku must often have presented an interesting 
scene, in the bustle of which these clerks of the market 
must have had no inconsiderable share. According to 
the account of the natives, this institution was in force 
till the accession of Rihoriho, the late king, since which 
time it has been abolished. 
In the afternoon I called on Maaro, and found him 
very ill, and averse to conversation. His wives sat in 
the same room playing at cards, and apparently too 
intent on their game to be easily diverted. 
About twelve years ago, a shocking instance of in¬ 
fanticide occurred in this district, exhibiting, in a most 
affecting manner, the unrestrained violence of malig- 
* Ai pai, (hard food.) A kind of food made of baked taro, 
pounded together without water. When properly prepared, it is 
wrapped in green ti leaves, and tied up in bundles containing 
from twenty to forty pounds each; in this state it will remain 
several months without injury. 
