Gilpin observer., 1913-01-02
oCz1rl2zI GZ2Z NJ
WZSl2VS ATZZR
notice 1t received
in the newspapers.

in the newspapers.
Perhaps the German papers paid some tribute to
his memory, for the Germans in Samoa, though
they could not maintain him the throne
against the Americans and the British, recog
nized his worth by making him high chief OF
German Samoa after the partition Of the islands
The making and drinking of kava is a daily
ceremony of the Samoan household. Kava is
their ordinary beverage, but there Is never any
relaxation of the formal etiquette connected with
its consumption. 1t is made and served usually
quite early in the morning. Already the men,
bers of the family have taken their daily bath
in the or. preferably, in a stream fresh
water pool and the women have dressed their
abundant black locks. The big wooden kava
bowl is taken down from the hut post and the
maidens prepare the dried root of the piper
methysticum. Formerly they chewed 1t after
carefully rinsing out their mouths, but in later
times 1t usually Is grated. One Of the girls sits
in front Of the bowl and pours water upon the
kava, meanwhile stirring 1t with of
hbrous root which serves as straner. This
from time to time she tosses over her shoulder
to another girl who shakes from 1t the debris
and throws 1t back into the bowl. Every
tion the stirring. the tossing, the shaking is
done in stated way that must not vary.
Finally the drink is brewed and the fact is an
nounced by the clappng of hands. This is a
general invitation to everyone within hearing to
enter and participate. and the sound is well
come one to the thirsty wayfarer Neighbor and
stranger alike welcome. When all are seated
maiden who made the kava proceeds to
1t. Filling to the brm the polished thin shell of
a half a cocoanut she sends 1t by another girl
to the member Of the household or the guest
who is highest in rank He receives the shell in
both hands. and with the salutaton "manuia"-
good health and -fortune-empties 1t at a single
draught To remove the cup from the lips be-
fore 1t is empty is a serious breach of etiquette.
The newcomer in the islands finds this
what Of task. for at first kava is not delect-
able beverage. tasting much like soapsuds. But
the liking for the drink grows rapidly and
soon admits that 1t is both refreshing and de-
lightful
Having emptied his cup of kava the drinker
returns the shell to the maiden by spinning 1t
across the floor. never by the hand Of the girl
who brought It to him. My first attempt to do
this sent the cup far wide Of the mark that
It altogether upset the gravity of the occasion
and covered me with confusion.
Not only in the morning does the kava drink
ing take place. It marks all important events
conferences. and once It was my privilege to
be present when every single point Of old.time
ing Of the kava root by the maidens had
for the Mataafa leaders, tip that the British
we're to land party Of marines to search the
point for weapons-and while the guns
being hastily concealed In the bush carried
aboard canoes. the leaders assembled to
discuss the news. As they talked three really
handsom taupo maidens prepared the kava in
the good old-fashioned way, and nicely was It
done that had no desire to decline the cup even