“A dinner was now brought in by the ladies of the place and laid before the new Roko Tui, who, according to precedent, ate a few mouthfuls. The native ceremonial being thus concluded, the more European part of the ceremony began. His Excellency took his seat on a raised platform covered with mats and _masi_, and the young Roko, rising for the first time during the proceedings, and having his long train of black and white _masi_, perhaps thirty yards in length, supported by some of his followers, approached his Excellency, and sitting before him, took the oath of allegiance to the Queen, and one of obedience to the Governor, placing his hands within those of his Excellency as he did so. The Governor then delivered to him the long staff of office, at the same time pronouncing these words, ‘Take with this staff, authority to rule as Roko Tui in the province of Cakaudrove. Take heed to the welfare of the people submitted to your care. Be to them a father, not a taskmaster. Lead them, guide them, teach them; and in all your doings remember that strict and solemn account which you must one day render at the judgment-seat of God.’ “The Roko having returned to his seat his Excellency made a few brief remarks to those assembled, and the proceedings terminated.” * * * * * NANDURI, THE CHIEF TOWN OF MATHUATA VANUA LEVU, _August 7_. We arrived here yesterday. But you will like to hear of our voyage in detail. So to return to Somo Somo. When we went to say good-bye to Andi Luciana, we found her, with all her attendants, busily making native cloth, as were also most of the women in the town. They are preparing for a great meeting of the chiefs, at which all their finery will be required. However, I succeeded in buying several pieces of very delicately painted _tappa_. This great meeting, at which Sir Arthur is to be present, is a topic of vast interest. Already four houses, each twelve fathoms long, and tied with the best sinnet, have been built for guests, and there is a special house for the _kovana_ (governor). Already 150 turtle have been captured, and are kept in the turtle-fences, ready for the great festival: so it is to be a great event. In one house we found women making coarse pottery, but I was not tempted to add it to my collection.