| 504 are furnished us; but we carry our own knives; and forks and spoons and dishes; and we carry our own cooking-vessels, although they would furnish them in every place. All these could be bought quite reasonably in Papeete. But knives, etc., could be brought along. Bread can be had in every place at ten cents per loaf. Taro, which is a kind of potato, can be gotten everywhere. It is liked by most white people. Potatoes from New Zealand and San Francisco can be frequently got. Chickens and fish and pork can be had, one or the other, all the time; but the latter I do not eat, nor have I offended any one by refusing, notwithstanding the predictions of some in America. No one need fear in regard to eating, drinking, and a place to sleep. I have never yet had to say with the Master, I have "not where to lay my head." Cooking is done outdoors, or in a shed, in camp style. We have a cooking-stove at home, in Tiona; but the natives have none. Plenty in Papeete, as every other convenience. . . .
The people on the islands nearest Papeete are more careful in their personal appearance than those farthest off. Where the Protestants bear rule, very little exposure of person is allowed. Where the Catholics rule, laxity in morals, and want of modesty is very marked. The Protestants are very strict. Among our people, the women are quite modest, and are most always seen with their "Mother Hubbard" dresses on. They look fine in silk or satin dresses, lace shawls, and fine hats, (which they make themselves), and never with any shoes or stockings. Their dresses are long, with trails, and they cover up their feet. The men, or some of them, wear shoes and socks on Sundays, and when they go to meetings; but they get them off as soon as they can. That our sisters at home may judge whether love of fine clothes affects their olive-brown sisters here, I would say that a couple Sundays ago, one sister had on a satin dress that cost sixty-five dollars, with hat and jewelry to match. However, not one in fifty could dress like that; but lack of funds is the only reason. I wear shoes and socks, vest and coat all the time, and also a medium cotton undershirt. I have worn the past weeks woolen pants and vest. It is not cool, yet I do not feel at all uncomfortable.
I believe I have said all that need be, to give an idea of this mission. I thought first I would merely give a history of the mission thus far; but I afterwards thought to write as I have, and so I have not been as brief as I intended. I hope that the Saints will not forget us in their prayers, and above all provide the Bishop with means, so that if suitable elders can be found to come here, they may not be kept home because there are no means to send them with. There are men in the church who could give a hundred dollars apiece towards it without any trouble. I do not think the church at home would be called upon to help. While I have nothing now, I have received enough for all our wants hitherto. I have not asked for any help from America. I sometimes see books that I need very much, advertised by Harper Brothers, and Scribner & Company; but if I had the money I could not send it from here, for there is no bank to get an
(page 504) |
