But I do regret not having seen the grand ceremony of Sir Arthur’s arrival, when (on the 25th June) Thakombau and all his sons, and five hundred vassals, came to Nasova, and formally did homage to him,—the first time the old chief has acknowledged any earthly superior. They brought the customary offerings of yams, turtle, &c. Then Thakombau’s herald carried a yangona root, of which the Vuni Valu (_i.e._, Root of War, as the old chief is generally called) broke off a small piece, which he placed in Sir Arthur’s hands, with a few words of greeting. Sir Arthur formally accepted the root, and the Vuni Valu then addressed his people, saying he was glad to welcome the Queen’s representative, and that he and all his people would obey her law as their only safeguard. Sir Arthur then addressed the chiefs, entreating them to put away their rivalries and jealousies, and work together for the common weal, suggesting to them as a parable, a canoe paddled by many men, some pulling backwards and some forwards; what would become of canoe and people? A week later, Sir Arthur was invited by Thakombau to a great meeting of chiefs at Bau, where there was a very solemn ceremonial, yangona-drinking, when all present formally acknowledged him as their feudal lord, and solemnly pledged him as such. There were about two hundred chiefs present, a greater number than had probably ever assembled before; indeed, hitherto, the majority had lived in such a condition of ceaseless warfare, that they had never met save as foes. Even the tiny isle of Bau, on which the meeting was held, was formerly divided into seven antagonistic communities, at war one with the other. So this meeting really was a very important act of feudal homage, and all present joined in the _tama_, a curious deep-toned acclamation of _ndua woh! ndua woh!_ which is the vassal’s salutation to his feudal lord, and which on this occasion proclaimed the Queen’s representative as their superior, the first chief of Fiji. Now all the people who pass Nasova (Government House), either by sea or land, shout this greeting. Certainly these brown men are a fine race. Such a contrast to the hideous blacks, of whom we saw a few, in Australia. The latter are such a wretched race, that it seems rather an advantage to humanity that they should die out; but it is a very different matter with these stalwart intelligent fellows and bright friendly women. And really it is too sad to hear of the awful ravages of the measles in the early part of this year.