The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-11-13


Rev. S. Dibble, for the press at Lahainau-
ma, both in the Hawaiian and English lam
guages, book containing some very inter-
cstng traditions and meles of the natives, of
very ancient date, by which it is clearly
proved that they formerly not only were ac-
quainted with the Society, Marquesas and
Samoa groups, with the intermediate islands,
but actually made voyages thither in their
canoes. The names of Vavou, Savaii, Ia
hiti, (Which last means any foreign country,
and is applicable to America, England and
others, as well as to the islands, occur many
times in their songs. Tahiti, though the
voyage thither seems to have been long in
terrupted, was the best known, and proba-
bly, from its being the only foreign country,
the knowledge of which remained popular
among the common people to the time of their
discovery, they applied the term equally to
all other lands. They now use Bolaboa to
distinguish the island. The naturalists in
the Exploring Squadron on the islands of the
south, discovered both by analogies of names
and traditions, traces Of communication which
must have formerly existed between the
great groups of the Pacific. The frequency
Of small islands in the route, would aid them
on their way, and the general mildness of
the trades, render such voyage not partc-
ularly hazardous in large canoe. Perhaps
the hardships ofthe cruise may have at length
caused them to be discontinued A chief
from Tahiti arrived here, and settled, aud
sent for his son. The name of the south
point of Kaahoawe, place from which they
took their departure, means foreign road
The book will doubtless prove very interest
ing and be much sought after. The mis-
sionaries by such researches, will certainly
be able to refute any charges of want of in
tcrest in preserving the literature of the ma
ton, and also render valuable service to
history in general. We are glad that they
are now taking hold of these matters in
earnest. A few years longer and it would
be too late. In teaching the natives trades,
professions, interesting them in agriculture,
and qualifying them to become useful and
industrious subjects, they are making great
and successful efforts. While the foreign
population have indirectly promoted the civ.
ilizaton and christianization of the people,
the missionaries have in an equal degree
benefited trade and commerce. In this
statement we refer to general principles ra-
Their than individual instances. The Ameri-
can mission should be cherished by their
countrymen as great and powerful inhu-
ence exerted to promote useful and honor
able commerce; one that will add to the
wealth of both countries Some may be
skeptical on this point, either from prejudice,
or from its influence having been so gradual
and unobtrusve, that they have not been led
to examine closely into the results, or have
scarcely noticed its progress. But such is
certainly the fact, as any one who looks into
the subject at all can clearly see. American
missionaries, wherever they 60, are instru-
mental not only in comforting spiritual good,
and difflsng the principles of the gospel, but
in exerting vast temporal influence in favor
of their country American interests are
greatly promoted by American missions