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As we returned to the village we found that the natives had
collected in great numbers under the shade of the trees before
mentioned ; so we squatted down on the grass, taking up our
places with the chiefs party, so as to occupy the base-line of a
large horseshoe-shaped gathering of natives. The ceremony began
with the preparation of the kava, in which respect the Tongans
now differ from the Fijians in reducing the root to a pulpy condition
by pounding it between stones instead of the rather disgusting
process of mastication. While the national beverage was
being prepared, a large procession of women, gaily dressed, and
bearing garlands, shells, and similar offerings, filed solemnly into
the centre of the group, and deposited their presents at the feet
of Captain Maclear and myself, who were the distinguished guests
on this occasion. Sometimes a frolicsome girl would place a
garland round one of our necks, and then trip away, laughing
merrily. When the kava was ready, a fine-looking elderly man,
the second m authority in the village, acted as master of the ceremonies,
and gave the orders for carrying out the various details
of the function. As the cup-bearer advanced with each successive
bowl of hquor, this venerable functionary called out in order of
precedence the names of the different persons who were to be
served, beginning with the visitors, and continuing to indicate
each one by name, until every one of the whole vast assemblacre
— men and women— had. partaken. As soon as the kava drinking
was over, a procession of young men advanced into the midst
of the assemblage, bearing on their shoulders palm-Ieaf baskets
which contained pigs roasted whole, large bunches of bananas,
and cocoanuts, which they deposited seriatim at our feet. The
district chief then made a short speech, informing us, through
Wellington’s interpretation, that these precious gifts were also at
our disposal. Captain Maclear replied, to the effect that we
gratefully accepted the present, and requested that it might be
distributed for consumption among the villagers. Accordingly
the feast was spread, and eating, drinking, and merry-making
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