Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/340

274 274 TRANSACTIONS AT Jbnos to their own dependants, when they want any thing done. It must be observed, that in all theseybwoi-,' whether general or 'partial, the labour and care fall entirely upon the [lower order of the people ; for although in the general fono the petty chiefs take the care ostensibly to themselves, yet afterwards, by a minor fono, each confers it on his dependants. Notwith- standing all this, the lower classes have time enough on their hands, and means enough in their possession, to live comfortably ; that is to say, they have food sufficient for themselves and their children, however large their families, and enough clothing ; and withal need never be in want of a house, for that is easily built : jn short, real poverty is not known among them. A fono, although it may regard some affair of a public nature, is not always upon a subject where a tax is necessary to be levied, but frequently upon some matter connected with civil policy; as for instance, — ^when a piece of ground is laid waste by war, certain persons are appointed to cultivate it ; and the chiefs are ordered not to oppress them with taxes, or with visits on their plantations, before they can supply means. It not unfrequently happens that young chiefs molest women whom they meet on the road ; then their husbands, if they are married women, make complaints to