NET-MAKING. 141 
arrival. Although the former pagan ceremonies, 
and offermgs at the marae, were discontinued, 
some of the ancient usages were observed, one of 
which appeared rather singular. As is customary 
on all occasions of public work, the proprietor of 
the net required the other chiefs to assist in its 
preparation. Before he began, two large pigs 
were killed and baked. When taken from the 
oven, they were cut up, and the governor’s mes- 
senger sent with a piece to every chief; on delivery, 
the quantity was stated which each was desired to 
prepare towards the projected net. If the piece of 
pig was received, it was considered as an agree- 
ment to furnish it; but to return it, was, in effect, 
to refuse compliance with the requisition. At this 
time, however, no one returned the tarahu, or 
price, but all agreed to furnish one or two fathoms 
of the net. When any other chief wanted a net, 
he took the same course. 
_ The cord was about a quarter of an inch in dia- 
meter, and made with the tough white bark of the 
mate, ficus prolixa, which, next to the romaha, or 
flax, is considered more durable than any other 
indigenous vegetable substance. The cord was 
twisted with the hand across the knee, in two or 
three strands or threads, and was even and firm. 
The meshes were about four inches square. 
The servants of the chief furnished their quantity 
of netting, and the needle with which they wrought 
was not unlike that used by European workmen. 
As the other parties brought in their portions, the 
chief and his men joined them together. On en- 
tering the house of Hautia, I have found him ina 
profuse perspiration, toiling im the midst of his 
men at the manufacture of the net. 
The floats were made with short pieces of dry, 
