326 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
large stones. Here they were examined by the 
parties immediately concerned, fa the presence of 
the collectors, who stood on each side of the rock, 
and were the general arbiters, in the event of any 
disputes arising. To them also was committed 
the preservation of good order during the fair, and 
they, of course, received a suitable remuneration 
from the different parties. On the above occa¬ 
sions, 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 infanticide occurred in this district, exhibiting, 
in a most affecting manner, the unrestrained vio¬ 
lence of malignant passion, and the want of parental 
affection, which so often characterize savage life. 
A man and his wife, tenants of Mr. Young, who 
has for many years held, under the king, the 
small district of Kukuwau, situated on the centre 
of Waiakea bay, resided not far from Maaro’s 
house. They had one child, a fine little boy. A 
quarrel arose between them, on one occasion, re¬ 
specting this child. The wife refusing to accede 
to the wishes of the husband, he, in revenge, 
caught up the child by the head and the feet, broke 
its back across his knee, and then threw it down 
in expiring agonies before her. Struck with the 
