MR. MILLS’S DISTRICT—VAIMAUGA.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 9, 1 March 1849, Page 2

MR. MILLS’S DISTRICT—VAIMAUGA.

In some respects, this district has suffered less, and in others, more than other parts of the islands from the present divided state of the people. The fort belonging to the Manono party being only about a mile from Apia, it has brought together a set of the most lawless fellows on the islands; who, thinking that war permits them to commit any evil without being called in question, have plundered, time after time, the plantations of those who are disposed for peace; and the willingness of the people here to suffer wrong, rather than come into collision with them by forcible resistance, has rather encouraged them in their aggressions. The proximity to such a band of worthless characters must, of course, exercise a baneful influence on the young, from the exhibitions of old heathen customs, which, previous to the war, had almost become obsolete. Their warlike displays have so much of the ridiculous about them, that, did we not know the wicked dispositions of those who engage in them, we should be more inclined to laugh at their merry-andrew antics than to entertain any high notions of their courage. It is a question, whether or not there is in the composition of a savage or half-savage much of real courage. Whatever sentimental writers may say to the contrary, personal safety gets so much the better of them, that they would rather kill an enemy by stratagem than in open fight. A few of the church-members have joined in the war. We were not much surprized wlxctu tbtj>y want They, were of a class to be found in every church, even when the greatest care is exercised in the admission of members,—cold, lukewarm professors, of whom a pastor is glad to get rid, however much he must lament their ruin. It ought not to be hid, that some such characters have displayed a greater degree of wickedness than those who never professed Christianity. The words of Christ are applicable to them—“ The last state of that man is worse than the first.” Though we are called to lament the declension of some, we rejoice to see so very many stand firm against all the threats and promises held out to them. A large number have also been lately added to the church, many of whom have been candidates for years. The Sabbath services are .well attended, our large place of worship being generally full. There is also preaching every Sabbath at the fort by one of the Missionaries or native-teachers. There is often a good attendance ; but, until the people there abandon their present lazy, wicked mode of life, little good can be expected. Still, we must sow beside all waters. The schools of this immediate station are, in general, well attended; but the scarcity of food, arising from the war, often draws the children, with their parents, from home. In addition to evils brought about by war, great numbers of children have lately been cut off by hoopingcough, which was introduced, a few months since, from Tahiti. It now prevails over all the leeward islands.

W. Mills.