A "PUTUPUTURAA." by Elliot C. Chapman

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1893

A "PUTUPUTURAA."

By Elliot C. Chapman

As a meeting in a district near Papeete on the evening of September 20 was to the native people a grand occasion, some minutes of the proceedings would perhaps be of interest to the people at home. Special attention had been given by the pastor to invite all to come who were in danger of staying away, and all who could not find one for themselves, were provided with an appropriate text to repeat. The golden text for the evening was, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." All other texts had some bearing on this one.

As we neared the building, which was a native house of considerable size, we could hear the sound of many voices singing one of their lively native pieces. In front of the house and on the steps we were met by a crowd, who were glad to welcome us, with a hand shake and a word of greeting, to their gathering. Upon entering the house we noticed that the interior consisted of one large room, which seemed quite small indeed with sixty natives crowded into it. We shook hands with all and took our seats on the chairs which were kindly provided for us. After the opening prayer came the songs, which were delivered with much zeal, accompanied by the native grunt, which is made by men who breathe in a full breath, which they force out through their nose by bringing their elbows vigorously against their ribs. These sounds are much like the song of the grouse, and serve the purpose of a sort of drum.

While the natives sat around on all sides of the room, the pastor delivered the opening address and called for reports from the leaders of the district meetings concerning the work of the last quarter. This was responded to, first by our Brother Paa, who is one of the deacons and a very enthusiastic speaker. His report of the work in Arue could almost be understood by the gestures. Then came a report from the Pirae district, which was followed by other songs, which they call himinis.

Those who were not church members were to repeat their verses first, and so it was the children rose, one after another, and repeated some words from the good Book. About a score of adults who, for some reason or other, are not fully in sympathy with the church of the world, followed with their verses. Two natives from a little island to the south of here who were visiting in Tahiti, took an active part in the meeting. One native song which was sung was about the Lord coming down in the cool of the evening to Eden and calling for Adam.

It would be a real treat to our people at home could they have looked into that meeting as the hands of the clock pointed to 11. Seated on the floor and leaning against the wall, with legs outstretched, crossed, and in a diversity of ways, were a row of men. In front of them were the women and children, ranging in ages from the feeble and grey-headed to the little crying baby. In the center of the room were a lot of little children, who were stretched out full length on the floor and fast asleep. In the windows were a row of heads. One young man who found no room for his body inside, had his head resting in the corner of a window sash, and reminded me much of the pictures I had seen in grocery windows at home, where only a head is visible. Another song was on the theme, "I Have a Father in the Promised Land."

The hands of the clock pointed to 9:30 before the first part of the meeting was completed and the forty non-members had finished their verses. Always before repeating their verse there is a long routine of greeting which each native goes through with, so that often the introduction is longer than the verse. While the pastor's dog slept calmly beneath the table, and barnyard cocks, waking from their slumbers, crowed their old-time greeting, and the industrious little flea maintained a lively crusade against our patience, the hands of the clock moved steadily onward toward the small hours, and brought over many of us feelings of drowsiness. Here and there a stirring himini was thrown in to wake the sleeping and revive the drooping head.

As we sat listening to the sermon by Paul Deane, at 11:30, our minds reverted to that memorable occasion at Troas, where Paul the apostle preached to a listening and drowsy company till midnight. At ten minutes before 12 this interesting session came to a close, and, after shaking hands, all around, we returned to our homes. We are sorry that these gatherings are not more spiritual and less lengthy. Our faith is strong, however, that the Lord will, in his own way, work out his plan and save a company from this people to stand at last upon the sea of glass.

ELLIOT C. CHAPMAN.

Papeete, Tahiti, October 6, 1893.