CHAPTER IX.
P ro c e e d in g s a t O t a h e i te— T h e S h ip v is ite d b y th e Q u e e n R e g e n t , th e R o y a l F am ily , a n d
s e v e r a l C h ie f s— S h o r t A c c o u n t o f th e f o rm e r s in c e C a p ta in C o o k ’s V is it— S u c c e s s fu l I s s u e
o f a D i s p u t e w i th th e G o v e r n m e n t r e s p e c t in g th e D e t e n t io n o f a tr a d in g V e s s e l— V is it to
th e Q u e e n R e g e n t ’s H o u s e— P r e s e n t C o n d itio n o f th e C h ie fs a n d o f th e I n h a b i t a n t s—
S u p e r s titio n s— T r i a l o f N a tiv e s fo r T h e f t o f th e S h ip ’s S to r e s— T h e K in g v is its th e
S h ip— L a k e a n d M o r a i o f M i r a p a y e— D a n c e e x h ib ite d b y a P a r ty o f N ew Z e a la n d e r s
— C o n s id e ra tio n s o n th e E f fe c t o f th e I n t ro d u c t io n o f C h r is tia n ity .
T h e diversity of feature of the romantic island of Otaheite formed
a strong contrast with the monotonous appearance of the coral formations
; the variety of hill and valley, and of woods and rivers in the one,
after the sameness of flat, sterile, parched-up surface in the other; and
the glassy smoothness of the harbours around us, opposed to the turbulent
shores we had recently quitted, were gratifying in the extreme,
and impressed us most forcibly with the truth of the observations o f our
predecessors, who have spoken of the scenery in the highest terms of
commendation.
As I proposed to remain here a few weeks to recruit the health of
the crew, who were somewhat debilitated, and to prepare the ship for her
voyage to the northward, she was moved to an inner anchorage opposite
a small village called Toanoa, and there secured by a cable fastened
to some trees on one side, and by a bower anchor dropped at the edge
of a coral reef on the other. This reef forms one side of the harbour
; which, though small, possesses several advantages over the more
spacious one of Papiete generally resorted to, and of wliioh the superior
freshness and salubrity of its atmosphere are not the most inconsiderable.
Previous to entering upon a relation of our proceedings with the
natives, it must be understood that the short time we remained, and our
various occupations, necessarily rendered our intercourse with them very
limited compared with that of many of our predecessors. Still, it is hoped,
the remarks which I shall offer will be sufficient to present a candid and -March,
faithful picture of the existing state of society in the island ; a feature
by no means unimportant iu the history of the country, which is otherwise
complete. To exceed this, by dwelling upon the beauties of the
scenery, the engaging manners of the inhabitants, their mythology,
superstitions, and legends, &c. would be only to recapitulate what has
been detailed in the interesting voyages of YY"allis, Cook, Vancouver,
Wilson,Turnbull, and others, and very recently by M r. Ellis, in his valuable
work entitled “ Polynesian Researches,” compiled after ten years’ residence
in the Pacific, and from the journals of other missionary gentlemen
in those parts. In this useful work he has traced the history of some of
the islands through all their various stages; he has explained the origin
of many of their barbarous customs, has elucidated many hitherto
obscure parts, and has shown the difficulties which opposed themselves
to the introduction of Christianity ; the hardships, dangers, and privations,
which were endured by himself and his brethern, who, actuated
by religious motives, were induced to sacrifice their own health, comfort,
and worldly advantages in the attempt to ameliorate the condition
of their fellow creatures. But complete as that work is in many
respects, it is nevertheless deficient in some essential points. The
author, with a commendable feeling of charity, consonant with his profession,
has by his own admission in the account of the biography of
Pomarree, glossed over the failings and dwelt upon the better qualities
of the subject of his memoir ; and pursuing the same course throughout,
he has impressed the reader with a more elevated idea of their moral
condition, and with a liigher opinion of the degree of civilization to
wliicli they have attained, than tliey deserve ; or, at least, than the facts
which came under our observation authorise. There seems to be no
doubt that he has drawn the picture, generally, as it was presented to
him; hut he has unconsciously fallen into an error almost inseparable
from a person of his profession, ivho, wlieii mixing with society, finds
it under that restraint wliich respect for his sacred office and veneration
for his character create. As in our intercourse witli these people they
I- ! l
bdl
9
r *