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Chalmers, James, 1841-1901

"Adventures in New Guinea"

It is very broken on the summit,
and we had a good deal of ascending and descending before we got over
Kaili, to be disappointed in not seeing the sea, the fog hanging thick
under our feet. We returned by a very circuitous path, passing several
villages built on rocks and trees. On one large table-rock was a snug
village, and to the east of the rock four large posts beautifully carved.
On feast days, the food is collected close to these, and a platform is
fixed to the posts, on which dancing takes place. We returned at three
p.m. The old chief soon followed us up to the camp with a large present
of food, and saying he hoped we would soon return. I hope the same.
After some delay, so that it might not appear as payment for the present,
we gave our present to the old chief; when he got the tomahawk, he wept
for joy, looked at his friends, then at us, pressed it to his bosom, and
then kissed it. The chiefs name is Kunia.
3_rd_.--We left Makipili this morning at eight o'clock, and came along
leisurely, arriving at Chokinumu at half-past ten.


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