CHAPTER XV. The king annihilates the divine chiefdom of Tooitonga, and the ceremony of inachi-Mr. Mariner's adopted mother departs for Hapai-The stratagem used to prevent her female attendants from accompanying her-Spirited speech of Tálo on this occasion-All communication with the Hapai islands shut up-The king's extraordinary attention to the cultivation and defence of the country-Interesting anecdote respecting two chiefs, Hála A'pi A'pi and TáloAttempt from the people of Hapai-Mr. Mariner discovers an European vessel whilst on a fishing excursion: his men refusing to take him on board, he wounds one mortally, and threatens the others, upon which they paddle towards the ship-Anecdote of the wounded man-Mr. Mariner's arrival on board, and reception from the captain-The king visits him in the ship: his behaviour on board: his earnest wish to go to England-Mr. Mariner sends on shore for the journal of the Port au Prince, and procures the escape of two of his countrymen-Further transactions on boardHe takes a final leave of the king-The ship sails for the Hapai islands. IN consequence of Tooitonga's death, the great obstacle to shutting up the communication with Hapai was, for a time at least, removed; but that it might be so more completely, the king came to a determination of having no more Tooitongas, and thus to put a stop for ever to the ceremony of inachi; for he conceived VOL. II. B that there was very little public utility in what was supposed to be the divine authority of Tooitonga; but that it was, on the contrary, a great and useless expense to the people. This measure, as may be imagined, did not prove very objectionable to the wishes of the multitude, as it relieved them from the inachi, a very heavy tax; and, in times of scarcity, of course extremely oppressive. In regard to the religious objections which one might suppose would be started against the endeavour to set aside an institution so ancient, so venerable, and so sacred, as that of Tooitonga's divine authority,—it must be noticed that the island of Tonga had, for many years, been deprived of the power, presence, and influence of Tooitonga, owing to its political situation; and, notwithstanding, appeared in the eyes of Finow, and of all his chiefs, warriors, and subjects, to be not less favoured with the bounties of heaven and of nature than the other islands, excepting the mischief and destruction which arose from human passion and disturbances: and if Tonga could exist without this divine chief, why not Vavaoo, or any other island? This strong argument growing still stronger, upon a little reflection, brought the chiefs, matabooles, and older members of society, to the resolution, that Tooitonga was of no use at all; and the people |
