CAPTAIN GAMBIER’S TESTIMONY. 35] 
descent, and terminates in an elevated point, 
which juts out into the harbour, forming two little 
bays. The principal and largest is to the left, 
viewing them from seaward; in this, and extend- 
ing up the valley, the village is situated. The 
other, which is small, has only a few houses—but 
so quiet, so retired, that it seems the abode of 
peace and perfect content. Industry flourishes 
here. The chiefs teke a pride in building their 
own houses, which are now all after the European 
manner; and think meanly of themselves, if they 
do not excel the lower classes in the arts neces- 
sary for the construction. Their wives also sur- 
pass their inferiors in making cloth. The queen 
and her daughter-in-law, dressed in the English 
fashion, received us in their neat little cottage. 
‘¢ The furniture of her house was all made on the 
island, and by the natives, with a little instruction 
originally from the Missionaries. It consisted of 
~ sofas with backs and arms, with (cinet) bottoms, 
really very well constructed ; tables and bedsteads 
by the same artificers. There were curtains to the 
windows, made of white cloth, with dark leaves 
stained upon it for a border, which gave a cheerful 
and comfortable air to the rooms. The bed-rooms 
were up stairs, and were perfectly clean and neat. 
These comforts they prize exceedingly; and such 
is the desire for them, that a great many cottages, 
after the same plan, are rising up every where in 
the village. 
‘¢ The sound of industry was music to my ears. 
Hammers, saws, and adzes, were heard in every 
direction. Houses in frame met the eye in all 
parts, in different stages of forwardness. Many 
boats, after our manner, were building, and lime 
burning for cement and whitewashing. 
