FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SAMOAN MISSION SEMINARY.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 1, 1 March 1845, Page 2

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SAMOAN MISSION SEMINARY.

In pursuance of a resolution passed at the adjourned genera! meeting of the Mission on March 21, 1844, we purchased a piece of ground, of about 30 acres at Malua, N. W. side of Upolu, district of Saleimoa, on which to carry on the oper itions of the Samoan Mission Seminary. We paid the five chiefs to whom it belonged in cloth, hatchets, &c, value £l2 16 7. cost price. This being done, we had the bush cleared, erected temporary dwellings, and went to reside there in August, and on the 25th of September commenced the work of instruction. Having but very limited means at our disposal, we could only make this commencement by admitting such youths from the immediate neighbourhood, as could be supported by theii respective families. We had applications from twentyeight, between the ages of twelve and twentyfour—and out of these we selected twenty five. All had learned to read, and a few could write and cipher, but as their attainments were much alike we formed them into one class. The order of the day since we commenced has been as follows : at dawn, ring the bell, for all to rise—have their devotional exercises—put their houses in order, and then go to the plantation to work—a few remaining behind to prepare the breakfast. At 8 a. m. the bell is again rung for all to leave w’ork, bathe, take breakfast, and be ready for the class at nine. At 9, a class for reading and scripture instruction, using the Bible as a text book. At 12, another class for writing and arithmetic ; and at 3, another for geography, astronomy, &c. During the intervals of classes, they are occupied in fishing, working about their houses, preparing for classes, &c. On Sabbath we have them all under our eye, at both morning and afternoon services, and in the interim, have a Bible Class. The young men have erected, during their spare hours, a good School Room, 45 by 20ft. which will last four or five years; and they have also planted upwards of 15,000 heads of taro, besides yams and bananas, all contributed by the church members and others, on Savaii and Upolu. In a month or two the taro will be ripe. The land too, is well stocked with breadfruit and cocoanut trees—so that we shall be able soon to select youths from all parts of the groupe, and support them at Malua. From various causes, eight of the original number of scholars have been dismissed ; but when we can have all the stations in the Mission from which to make choice, we hope to have a more select party under onr care, and less occasion for dismissal. We have received subscriptions from our brethren in the Mission, consisting of paper, pens, ink, pencils, &c. which have been of great use in making a commencement. Malua, Feb. 1845. CHARLES HARDIE. GEORGE TURNER.