The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1840-11-14
Vol. Mo. 2:s.

ABOUT, ana gwen YOU (inC native Cnllurcn)
pastor and guide, to whom you will do
well to take heed.
1t may be in point here to remark, that
the deep interest manifested by the COM
nlandcrs and many Of the officers of the
Squadron row here, in the welfare of the
Hawaiian nation, is not confined to this
occasion. We have had many opportu-
mites of observing with satisfaction, these
gentlemen throwing the whole weight of
their influence on the side of virtue, of
order, morality and religion. This is not
said by way o! Haticry: far from if. but
by way of commencing that which is
praiscworthy in itself, and of inviting still
greater efforts Oh the part of these wei
come strangers, to help on the work of
Improvement in the islands. They may
Go lasting and incaIculablc good by their
counsel and example among the natives,
respectfully the chiefs and leading men of
influence. 1t is remarkable fact, that
since the arrival Of the Squadron there
has been marked decrease of intcmper-
ancc III my church and congregation.
How TO account for it know not. unless
il be through the pointed ard well timed
addresses Of several of these gentlemen,
TO my people on several occasions. Mel
Their is this the only instance of good that
might be mentioned. But this is diores-
sion, and we forbear to say more.
OF the procession and feast we need
say but little. The former was public
ne, nd
to the latter. it was prepared by the Gov
crnor and the parents. in purely native
style, except the Governors own table,
and consisted OF a prol,!sion of fish. pork,
fowl and vegetables, served up in Gala
bashcs and leaves, with here and there an
earhcn plate, spoon or a knife and fork,
all spread out on the mat floor, where the
multitude were seated. The scene, as
whole was Il molly mixture of barbarism
and civilization, in about equal proper
tons and might be properly taken as a fit
index to the state of society in general in
these islands. One circumstance believe
made IA considerable impression on all the
strangers present, that was the noise.
! Never was there IA bcdlam more complete.
| The confusion OF tongues at Babel could
not exceed IT. One, even who is profess
sionally familiar with the roar of cannon,
complained that it made his head ache.
When, however, all were seated and got
iair y to eating. tranquility was in some
degree restored. for no one seemed to
have time for any thing else but the bust
ness before him. The little multitude
seemed to be now quite as much interest
ed, and don't know but more so, in the
feast as thcy had been an hour before in
the addresses of the gentlemen. At the
close Of the feast all dispersed in quiet
ness.
As to the propricty of such cclcbra-
tons, would onl y add, after having OBJ
served the practice for several years past
on the island OF Maui, they appear to have
been attended with some trtling evils,
but with many decidedly good results to
our common schools. They tend to Sc
cure the attendance of the children ut
school, stimulate them to study, present
"A motive to parents to provide decent clo-
thing for their children, call public atlen-
ton 10 the interests OF schools and arc
llNn2nSlkn Ia