NEW HEBRIDES.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 11, 1 July 1850, Page 3

NEW HEBRIDES.

A few weeks ago, we had an interesting letter from the Rev. J. Geddie, Missionary on Aneiteum, New Hebrides, dated December 28, 1849 ; from which we extract the following particulars : — ANEIIEUM. “ I am glad to inform you, that we are all well. The measure of divine goodness which we have enjoyed ince the departure of the 4 John Williams ’ calls for our gratitude and praise. As soon as possible after the •John Williams’ left us, I proceeded to the settlement of the teachers. I accompanied them to their several stations, and made such arrangements with the chiefs about them as seemed desirable. As far as I know, the teachers and people are pleased with each other in their respective fields of labour. Early in Novembe •, two of the teachers, Peleseala and Kuku w ere a d up with fever and ague, and also the wife of the • eacher Amasa. I removed Kuku to this station; and Peleseala has found a home with Munamuna at his ration. Though still sick, I think they are all in a fair way of recovery. The other teachers, being already acclimated, will, in all probability, escape the disorders peculiar to the island.

“ Since the deputation left us, (tbe Ist of October), we have had much to discourage and much to encourage us in our work. Among the poor natives who are the especial objects of our solicitude and attention, a marked change for the better has taken place in their attention to our instructions during the last four months. The average attendance on our Sabbath morning service has been fifty, and about half that number in the evening. Several influential natives who stood aloof from us have come in, and seem desirous to know more about the nalaiahini (new religion). I also conduct family worship in my own house, every evening, in the native language ; and from ten to twelve natives regularly attend. Nohoat, the chief, never attends our services, and I believe he discourages others also. I often visit him, however, and have worship with him at his own place, and he seems glad to see me. “ As regards the out-stations, I ha ve but little to report. In Annauntehai, the station of Peleseala, nothing has yet been done, for their former teacher only lived six weeks among them. Aneito, the station of Munainuna, is improving. I spent an interesting Sabbath there not long since. During the past year, the people were so much afraid of the lotu (new religion) that the number who attended on the Sabbath-day seldom exceeded five or six ; now the teacher’s house is usually full. Amosa, who has succeeded Mr. Archibald at Epece, gets on quietly ; but he cannot do anything effective until he knows more of the language. The people of Umetch have all along been kind to their teachers ; but they have made little progress as yet. Annaunse is vacant. At this station, we have a school for males. We have only about six regular scholars, but these are interested, and I hope they will soon be able to read. Mrs. Geddie has a females’ school, at which about six females are regular in theii’ attendance. Our efforts at school teaching have all along been most discouraging, but I do hope that we shall eventually succeed. If we can but succeed with a few, the force of example, the desire of knowledge, and a spirit of emulation w ill cause others to come in. I have lately printed an elementary work, which has given some impulse to the scholars. A catechism and some portions of Scripture are in course of preparation for the press.

“ Perhaps I am sanguine, but I do think that God has given some measure of countenance to our labours. I think that I can discern some faint rays of light beginning to arise over the horizon of darkness in which these poor islanders have, from time immemorial, been enveloped. I have heard much about their stupidity, incapacity, and brutishness; but lam now convinced that they have minds to comprehend, and hearts to feel, as well as others. I do hope, that the Spirit of God has begun to breathe on the dry bones, and that the symptoms of animation will, at no distant day, appear.

NEW CALEDONIA AND ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSIONS. “You are aware, that a French Roman Catholic Bishop and some priests left this island for New Caledonia, in September last. They have lately returned, after an absence of three months. They proceeded to JSalade, the place from which they w r ere formerly driven. A small cutter belonging to Sydney was captured by the natives of that place about three weeks before their arrival, and the crew, consisting of four men, massacred. They did not deem it prudent to settle there. Next they went to Yangin, the residence of a chief called Basset, who has been in Sydney, and who is said to be friendly to foreigners. They intended to open a station here, and some priests were left on shore ; but the vessel went back some weeks after they had landed, and they were removed. They had overheard conversations among the natives which excited their fears. They next landed on Yate (or Fate), where they found about twenty the remnant of a conquered tribe. Here they settled three priests and two laymen, also twenty-three baptized natives of Balade, whom they wished to instruct and employ as catechists. Their Mission at the Isle of Pines was going on quietly. I do not know what brought the Bishop back; but he and some of the priests leave again, for the Isle of Pines, to-morrow. “ There are from eighteen to twenty agents of Popery on Aneiteumandthe New Caledonian Islands at present, and only one representative of Protestantism. God has opened many doors to us in these islands, but we have been slow to enter; perhaps, an enemy may be permitted to take possession. This would be but a merited rebuke to the churches of Christ for their indifference to the trust which He has assigned to them, of evangelizing the nations of the earth. Even should God, in His mysterious providence, let our path be beset with difficulties, let us not grow faint-hearted in His work. God has given to His Son these isles, as a part of His inheritance and possession ; and we will and must take possession of them in our Master’s name. If we should have to contend with the united power of heathenism and Popery, let us go forward in the name and in the strength of our Lord. The warfare may be long and even severe, but victory is certain. He that is for us is greater than those who are against us. We have truth and Omnipotence on our side ; and the Cause of Jesus will ultimately prevail ’. FATE (or, SANDWICH ISLAND). The brig ‘ Governor,’ of this place, touched at the large harbour of Fate (Sandwich Island). The captain, who is a very friendly man, called to see me on his return. He inquired for the teachers, and heard that they were at the large bay, where the deputation left them ; so I trust they are well. The captain brings a most unfavourable account of the natives. They designed to take two boats and their crews, which had gone in quest of provisions ; but a native who had been in Sydney, and who could speak a little English, informed them of their intentions, and so they made their escape. He thought that they had designs also on his vessel, in the absence of a part of his crew, and he was obliged to fire some large guns to intimidate them. ERUMANGA. “ Erumanga has been guilty of another bloody deed. About three weeks ago, the 4 Rover’s Bride,’ of this place, lost a boat’s crew of five men, in Cook’s Bay. They had gone to purchase sandal-wood; and, it is supposed, that the natives upset the boat, and made them an easy prey. A few hours after, three boats went to •he place where they were taken, and all the traces that could be found of them were, some blood and fragments of flesh on a log, where they were cut up by the natives. Capt. Davison says, that he is of opinion that teachers would be safe at Dillon’s Bay ; and I have heard some other foreigners say, that they have landed among the natives there without fear. [This is the place where Williams was killed, and from which the deputation brought four natives last voyage of the 44 John Williams.”]