t of the 'Fantome,' being struck violently sixteen
times. For the moment I could not imagine what it meant, and thought
it must be an alarm of fire; indeed, it was not until Tom and I
reached the deck, where we found nearly all the ship's company
assembled at the top of the companion, and were greeted with wishes
for 'A happy New Year, and many of them,' that we quite realised that
nothing serious was the matter. Soon the strains of sweet music,
proceeding from the Honolulu choirs, which had come out in boats to
serenade us, fell upon our ears The choristers remained alongside for
more than an hour, singing English and American sacred and secular
hymns and songs, and then went off to the 'Fantome,' where they
repeated the performance. The moon shone brightly; not a ripple
disturbed the surface of the water; the cocoa-trees at Waikiki, and
the distant mountains near the Pali, were all clearly defined against
the dark blue sky. It was altogether a romantic and delicious scene,
and we found it difficult to tear ourselves away from the sweet sounds
which came floating over the sea.

When I again went on deck, at half-past six, there was a large double
canoe close to the yacht, crowded with people. It was difficult to
make out what they were doing, for they appeared to be sitting on a
great heap of something, piled up between the two canoes. Our sailors
suggested that it must be 'some sort of a New Year's set out.' I
ordered the 'Flash' to be got ready, and went with the children to
make a closer investigation; and, as we approached, we could see that
the pile that had puzzled us was a huge fishing-net. The tide here is
very uncertain; but as soon as the water is low enough, they stretch
the long net right across the narrow mouth of the harbour, and so
secure an enormous quantity of fish of various kinds. It was a really
good New Year's haul, and provided a hearty meal for a great many
people.

Mabelle and I went at twelve o'clock to the Queen's New Year's
reception, held in the other wing of the palace. Having driven through
the pretty gardens, we were received at the entrance by the Governor,
and ushered through two reception rooms into the royal presence. The
Queen was dressed in a European court-dress, of blue and white
material, with the Hawaiian Order of the Garter across her breast. Two
maids of honour were also in court-dress. Of the other ladies, some
were in evening, some in morning dress, some with bonnets and s