ELEVENTH MISSIONARY VOYAGE

Samoan Reporter, Issue 16, 1 December 1854, Page 2

ELEVENTH MISSIONARY VOYAGE

TO THE NEW HEBRIDES AND NEW CALEDONIA GROUPS, AND SAVAGE ISLAND. In again laying before our readers an account of the stations of the London Missionary Society, at these islands, we have much of an encouraging character to add to the cheering statements contained in former reports. With the painful exception of those on one island, the stations that have hitherto been the least promising, encourage the hope that our labours there will yet be crowned with success; and at others, “fields already white unto the harvest ” promise a rich reward to the labours of the spiritual husbandmen. We sailed from Apia, Upolu, in the “John Williams,” on the 26th of September, in order to visit the stations at the above-named islands. We had on board Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland, of the Samoan Mission, the two new missionaries, Messrs. Creagh and Jones, for the Loyalty Islands, and their wives and two children, together with Mrs. Hardie and our little boy ; ten native teachers and their wives, one unmarried teacher, fourteen children, and four servants, all from Samoa; thirteen natives belonging to the New Hebrides, the Loyalty Islands, and Savage Island; making, with the ship’s company—twenty-two in number, eighty-five persons. In the evening, we came to anchor at Mr. Pratt’s station, Matautu, on Savaii. The following morning, the 27th, a young chief whom the deputation brought from Lifu last voyage, and who had been eight months at the Institution at Malua, died. He was in a dying state when he was brought on board, but would not be persuaded to remain in Samoa, having, perhaps, some faint hope that he might reach his own land. A short time before his death, he said to those who were attending him, he knew that he should not again see his own land, but he was going to a better —to heaven. He was an amiable and interesting youth. Naturally quiet and retiring, he said but little; but he had learned as much as was necessary to salvation, and we trust his spirit took its flight to that better land to which he said he was going. In the afternoon, we committed his body to the grave in the hope of a glorious resurrection ; and in the evening, again weighed anchor, and bore away for the New Hebrides. On the 3rd of October, death removed another of our number, a young man, also from Lifu. He was seized with inflammatory fever, which, after three days of severe suffering carried him off. He had been some time in the Institution at Malua, and he knew the truth ; but, up to the time of his leaving, there is little reason to believe that he had any experience of its saving power. He died, however, expressing his trust in the Saviour, and may, even at

the last hour, have been accepted by him. In the evening’, we committed his body to the deep. It was a deeply solemn and affecting scene; many tears were shed; and our prayer is, that the unexpected removal of this youth may have a salutary and abiding influence on all who witnessed the solemnities of that evening hour. It was a happy circumstance that there were on board several of his relatives and countrymen, who were witnesses of the care and kindness shown to him and the other Lifu youth, as it had a favourable influence on their minds, and, through them, on others of their countrymen. ANEITEUM. On the evening of the 3rd of October, after a run of ten days from Samoa, we reached this island; but the wind being light, we were obliged to stand off for the night. On the following morning, which was Sabbath, as our vessel was beating into the harbour of Aniligauhat, we were delighted with the improved appearance of things, and to see the people decently clothed going to, and returning from, the house of God. As soon as we came to anchor, our esteemed friend the Rev. J. Geddie came on board. We were sorry to find him in a rather poor state of health, from fever and ague, to which he is frequently subject, but glad to know that all the other members of the mission were in good health, and that their work was prospering. In the afternoon, we went on shore with the teachers we had brought from Samoa, and received a most hearty welcome. We then went with our friends and the natives to the commodious new chapel, to unite with them in praise and thanksgiving to the Father of all our mercies. Addresses were given, and prayers and praise offered in the Aneiteum and Samoan languages. It was a thrilling and affecting scene to see so many who were but lately living in the lowest state of heathenism decently clothed, attentively listening to the Word of God, and earnestly engaged in prayer and praise. We could not help exclaiming, “What hath God wrought!” Next day, Mr. and Mrs. Inglis arrived from their station on the other side of the island; and we were glad to see them in excellent health. They are devoted to their work, and co-operate most harmoniously with Mr. and Mrs. Geddie. The day following (October the 10th), we had a public service with the people from different parts of the island. More than 600 were present, and two native teachers, who had been selected to labour on Tana were solemnly set apart, and they and their wives commended to God. Several addresses were given on the occasion by the missionaries and the natives. We were much struck with the propriety and earnestness with which the natives spoke; and their addresses, as interpreted by Mr. Geddie, shewed such a degree of correct Scriptural knowledge, happily illustrated and judiciously and affectionately applied, as we were astonished to hear. Altogether, it was a very impressive, delightful, and profitable season. Messrs. Geddie and Inglis had nearly completed a census of the island, by which they find that it contains about 4,000 inhabitants. Of these, about 2,600 have renounced heathenism, and profess Christianity. The remaining 1,400 who are still, more or less, attached to heathen practices, are so scattered and disunited as to possess but little influence. The Christian party has gained a very decided ascendancy over the island, and the ancient customs are everywhere on the wane. War, cannibalism, and heathen orgies may now be reckoned among the things that were. The natmases (gods or spirits) are everywhere being cast away or neglected; and, for eighteen months, no case of strangling of women has been known on the island.

A large meeting of the chiefs and people had been held to take some preliminary measures with a view to the establishment of laws ; and they had taken one decided step to prevent one of the greatest evils which prevail among these islands, viz., the prostituting of females to ships and foreigners. It was decided that this should henceforth be prohibited, and that all property obtained for this purpose should be taken and burned. Native-like, and to show their determination to carry their decision into effect, they took and burned all property known to have been so obtained previous to their deciding on this course of procedure. This destruction of property will remove all temptation, and, we trust, put a complete stop to the abovenamed evil.

At Aniligauhat, the station occupied by Mr. Geddie, considerable improvement has been made since last year’s visit. Mr. Geddie’s stone house, sixty feet long by twenty wide, has been completed ; and the people, thinking their former chapel too small, pulled it down, and have built a good plastered one in its stead, seventy-seven feet long by thirty-four feet wide. These, with the printing-office, and a few small plastered houses, give the station quite a cheerful and civilized appearance.

The usual Sabbath morning congregation at this station is now about 400. At the out-stations (seven in number) connected with it, the good work prospers. Much good is being done by visiting the people, and conversing with them at their own abodes. In addition to his numerous other duties, Mr. Geddie continues to instruct his large select class of young men. Since October of last year, twenty persons have been received into the church, which now consists of fifty members. Fifteen more are about to be added, and a considerable number besides are candidates.

At Aname (Tpehe), Mr. Inglis's station, though of but recent occupation by a missionary, things are in a state of prosperity similar to that at Aniligauhat. The plastered chapel, seventy feet by thirty, referred to in last report as in course of building, has been completed, which, with Mr. Inglis’s house and other cottages, gives the station quite a respectable and pleasing appearance. The usual Sabbath morning congregation at this station is about 350. In the district under Mr. Inglis’s care, there are also four out-stations, at which considerable numbers assemble. A church has been formed, which now consists of twentyeight native members; and a considerable number are candidates for communion. Besides pastoral and numerous missionary duties, Mr. Inglis also instructs a large select class of young men, similar to that of Mr. Geddie. In these classes, it is confidently hoped, many will be found capable of instructing their own countrymen and others in the adjacent islands. A considerable band of natives, and four Samoan teachers assist the missionaries in their labours. Thirty schools are now in operation on the island, and the work of education is steadily progressing. About 1,500 are under instruction. About one-third of these have learnt to read, and a considerable number can write a tolerable hand. Hitherto, the supply of books and other school apparatus has been inadequate. The only complete portion of the Scriptures yet in the hands of the people is the Gospel of Mark. But, now that these Brethren have got type and paper, and a new press, they will soon be able to supply the people with better school books and other portions of the Word of God.

One of the most promising .features of the infant mission on Aneiteum is its missionary spirit. Last voyage, it sent forth two native teachers to Fotuna ; and we had the happiness, this voyage, to take two more, with their wives, to Tana. What a rich reward has God given to the labours of his servants on this island ! What a large return to the

prayers and contributions of the churches at home ! Surely, with these facts before them, the appeals of our Brethren will be cheerfully responded to, and neither men nor means be wanting to carry on, and extend, the work which has been so auspiciously begun. FOTUNA. On the 11th of October, we left Aneiteum, intending to call at Fotuna, but were prevented by contrary winds. This we much regretted, as we were very desirous to visit the Aneiteum teachers, who were left on the island last voyage, and also to have some intercourse with the people. The chief Aukeama, mentioned in last report, had expressed a desire to have a Samoan teacher, and the missionaries on Aneiteum thought it might be of advantage to place one on the island, but left it to be decided by us on our arrival there. But, after full consideration, we were convinced that all the teachers we bad could be more advantageously placed on other islands. We learnt that the two teachers left last voyage were well received and kindly treated by the people generally. But, not long after being left on the island, some traders called, and did all they could, by false and vile misrepresentation, such as saying their religion was bad and would cause disease, &c., to work upon the fears of the natives, and excite their prejudices against the teachers. This made them, for a time, keep aloof from the teachers, who, being thus neglected, suffered for want of food. While things were in this state, H.B.M. ship “ Herald” touched at the island, and Capt. Denham left a letter with the teachers for the missionaries. We suppose it must have had reference to the trying state in which the teachers were then placed. We have no doubt, Capt. Denham treated the teachers kindly, and did what he could to remove the unfavourable impressions from the minds of the people. We regretted that circumstances prevented our receiving his communication ; but the missionaries on Aneiteum were to send a parly to visit the teachers in about a month after we left, and it will, ere this time, be in their hands. The last communications received by Mr. Geddie from the teachers state, that things had taken a very favourable change. Wyhit, one of them, says, “Things here (on Fotuna) are not as they are on Aneiteum, for here, the hearts of all the people are in favour of the Word of God.” There is now every reason to hope that the day of release from the bondage of heathenism has dawned upon this island. TANA. Last report recorded the melancholy events occasioned by the introduction of the small-pox, which ended in the breaking up, a second time, of the mission on this island. It wili be gratifying to our Christian friends to know that a gleam of hope has again burst through the dark cloud that envelopes this hitherto difficult field of labour. In last June, a party of Aneiteum people went to Tana, to visit some persons related to them, and made known to them the happy change in the state of things on Aneiteum, produced by the introduction of Christianity. This led their Tanese relatives to desire teachers and the new religion. They built two canoes, with a view to visit Aneiteum, to see for themselves the wonderful change reported, and to bring back teachers with them. These canoes reached Aneiteum last September, and the Tanese who came in them were greatly astonished at the change which had been effected, and deeply interested in what they saw. They made a tour of the island, but, contrary to their custom on former occasions, they went without their clubs and spears, being persuaded to leave them, as there was no danger, and no use for them now. They were greatly surprised at what they saw, and, on learning that all war had ceased, in wonder they said, “They never thought that a people could live on an island without fighting.” They were advised to remain till the arrival of the missionary vessel, and go with the teachers that were selected for them ; but their mind was to go before, and wait for them, and they had left Aneiteum about a week before we arrived.

On the 14th of October, three days after leaving Aneiteum, we made the island of Tana on the south-east side, which fortunately happened to be where the chief larisi, who, with his people, had been to Aneiteum, and with whom we were to leave the teachers, lived. Several canoes came off to the vessel, in one of which were some relatives of the chief. These immediately recognised the teachers, and were delighted to see them. We soon got the chief himself on board, who was much pleased to see the teachers. We asked him if he still wished the teachers to reside with him, and teach him and his people the new religion? whether he would protect them and their wives, treat them respectfully and kindly, and attend to their instructions? To all of which, he at once replied in the affirmative. We then made him a present, got the boats lowered, and, accompanied by the chief and some of his relatives, took the teachers and their wives on shore. As we pulled in, several canoes followed us, and natives to the number of about 300 assembled on the beach ; the men without any warlike weapons, and the women and children joined in the crowd to gaze at the strangers. All behaved in the most orderly manner, and seemed friendly and pleased. When we got close in to the landing-place, the people very readily took the teachers and their things from the boat to the shore in their canoes ; and when the teachers wives stood up to go into one of the canoes, the females on shore, as soon as they caught a sight of them, set up a loud and joyous shout, and ran forward to the landing-place, leaping and dancing with delight. A more peaceable and friendly reception we could not have had. Having accomplished our work here, we bade the teachers and their wives farewell, and returned to the vessel, thanking God for this fresh opening for the introduction of the Gospel to this unhappy island. The place where the teachers were landed is called luakaraka. It is on the south-east side of the island, about ten or twelve miles from Resolution Bay. The chief under whose protection the teachers are placed is called larisi, and his brother’s name is Tapuiomano. The next morning after we landed the teachars, we came to anchor in Resolution Bay. It was Sabbath, and no natives came on board. A white man from Capt. Paddon’s sandal-wood establishment came on board to the English service. Eight young men from Lifu, employed by Capt. Paddon, also came on board, wishing a passage in our vessel back to their own land. Three of them were persuaded to remain a little longer on Tana, but the other five we took with us. We passed a very quiet Sabbath in this interesting bay, but we felt much for the poor natives, and longed to see such gladsome scenes and religious services on the shores of Tana as those in which we were privileged to mingle on Aneiteum. On the following morning, the IGth, many of the natives came off with things to sell, but notin such large numbers as on former occasions. There was evidently a shyness among them which we had never formerly observed ; but never before did we know them to behave in such a quiet, respectful, and orderly manner, or trade with so little trouble. We did all we could to remove their prejudices and misapprehensions, and produce a favourable impression on their minds. We were glad to find that some of them

seemed really to desire that missionaries should come and live among them.

Among those who came on board was our old steady friend Kuanuan. He said, he did not come yesterday, as it was Sabbath, which he observed as a day of rest, and on which he prayed to Jehovah. We were glad to learn from him and from others that the Sabbath was generally observed on shore as a day of rest, both by the natives and white men. Poor old man! he was delighted to see us, and was earnest and busy in speaking to his countrymen in favour of the missionaries, trying to remove from their minds the false notions that they eaused disease and other evils, and telling them, that only good could result from their dwelling among them. He said to us, “Tana man no save (not know); bye-bye, Tana man save-, bye-bye, very good, very good. Me tell Tana man, missionary very good, very good.” He was quite delighted when we told him that we had left teachers from Aneiteum at luakaraka, with the chief larisi, and others who were present seemed also much pleased. He said, he would go and visit larisi, and that larisi would come to visit him and that they would speak to “ Tana man ; very good, very good.” We gave the old man a present, and encouraged him to keep steadfast, and continue to do all he could for the good of his less enlightened countrymen. We did not see Viavia and some others who used to be friendly, they having removed some distance inland. Saba, a brother of the chief Rangi, came on board, and was very friendly. The old chief Kapahai is dead, and his only surviving relative of any importance, we were told, was driven from the bay, because “ he too much love fight.” We went on shore, accompanied by some of the ladies; but there was a shyness manifested on the part of most of the natives, which we should have been glad to have seen removed. The foreigners residing in this bay seemed in no danger whatever, and have, evidently, a considerable influence over the natives, several of whom we saw employed by them. We trust, our visit to this bay, the scene of so much labour and disappointment, so many gracious deliverances and melancholy disasters, will have a favourable influence, and that the day is not far distant when the interesting but ignorant and misguided inhabitants of this island will gratefully welcome the servants of God to live among them, and listen with thankful hearts to that Gospel which they have hitherto treated with so much suspicion and neglect. Notwithstanding all that has taken place, it is our opinion, that missionaries might settle on Tana without danger to their lives; and that, until they do so, comparatively little will be done towards its evangelization. Difficulties will have to be contended with, but it is a fine field of labour, from which a rich harvest may be expected ; and, with the success of the Aneiteum and other missions before them, right-hearted and suitably-qualified men will not now be unwilling to enter it. ERAMANGA. We left Tana in the afternoon of the 16th of October, and next morning reached Eramanga, and anchored in Dillon’s Bay. We were delighted with the improved appearance of things. As the vessel was beating into the anchorage, a few of the people assembled on the beach, more or less dressed in English clothing. As soon as we came to anchor, the teachers came on board, whom we were glad to see so stout and looking so well. They reported that they and the other teachers and their wives bad all been ill of ague and bilious fever, that two of their wives and one of the teachers were still ailing, but that all the rest were well again. The daughter of Upokomanu (one of the teachers that died on Tana, of the small-pox) died last February, and that subsequent to this, an infant child of one of the teachers had also died. Sickness and scarcity of food had prevented the teachers from doing much, but some advancement has been made and some good effected, and they now have the prospect of more rapid progress in their work.

At Dillon's Bay, since last visit, lime has been burnt, and other materials prepared, for building two new commodious houses for the teachers; one of them, indeed, which is forty feet by twenty, is far advanced in building. The small house which was used as a place of worship has been abandoned, and a new chapel, forty feet by twenty, has been erected and closed in with bamboos. This they now use as a place of worship and a school-house. It is rather a rude structure, but, under the circumstances, and at this early stage of the mission, is as good as could be expected. Since last voyage, the number attending the religious services has been more than doubled. Sixtyseven, young and old, have renounced heathenism, and attend instruction regularly. Only one-third of these are females. With the exception of seven young men who were at Samoa, who can read and write, none of these know much beyond the letters of the alphabet. They are willing to learn, but the work of instruction has been much hindered by the illness of the teachers, and the want of suitable school books.

It is pleasing to know that the young men who were at Samoa, with the exception of one, keep steady in their adherence to the teachers. The interesting young man, Naldial, referred to in former reports, continues steadfast, and is a very valuable assistant to the teachers. lie constantly takes part in the conducting of the schools and religious services. Poor fellow! he was quite overcome with joy to see his old friends on his native .shores. He and another expressed a wish to return to the Institution at Malua; but we thought it much better, for the present, for them to stay in Eramanga, and assist the teachers. The station at Wavin (Elizabeth’s Bay), at which the deputation left a teacher, last voyage, has been, for the present, abandoned, but we hope it will very soon be resumed. The teacher who was left there remained only three months. Nearly all the people left him, and went some distance inland, to work at their plantations ; and being left all but alone, and not having got the language, he felt his circumstances so difficult, that he went and joined the teachers at Dillon’s Bay. He remained there four months, when he and another teacher, whom the deputation had left for Bunkil, were both taken to that place. Bunkil, where those two teachers were left, is about six or eight miles to the south-east of Dillon’s Bay. We passed it as close in to the shore as we could; but the wind was blowing in strong, and the sea was so rough that we could not go in in the boats. We much regretted that we did not see the teachers, but we got an account of the state of things at this station from those at Dillon’s Bay. The chief with whom the teachers live is a very kind man, and the teachers are well treated, and have plenty of food. A small chapel has been erected, and about thirty persons have renounced heathenism, and come under Christian instruction ; so that now, at the two stations, about 100 profess Christianity. The foreigners residing on the island speak favourably of the teachers. Capt. Edwards, who has the charge of the sandal-wood station at Dillon’s Bay, was very kind to them in supplying them with food in the time of scarcity. We called on him, and thanked him for his kindness. There are several sandal-wood stations on the island.

Soon after we came to anchor in Dillon's Bay, Mr. Sunderland and I went on shore, and having ascertained the state of things, and learning that teachers would be re-

ceived at other parts of the island, we decided to leave four more upon it. These we advised to remain, in the meantime, with the teachers already there, and zealously attend to the acquiring of the language, as a primary object, and then to go as soon as it could be ascertained, two and two, to the most eligible stations they could find ; taking into consideration, whether it would not be advisable that two of them should go to Elizabeth’s Bay, which the teacher who was taken there had left. In the afternoon, the teachers and their wives were landed, and at the same time, accompanied by the ladies, we all went on shore. When we landed, the people, quite delighted, crowded to the boat. Those who had been in Samoa, welcomed us with tears of joy. Towards the teachers, with whom they were associated in Samoa, they shewed much affection, and were delighted when they knew that they were to live among them. We then, surrounded by the people, first went to the teacher’s house, and then to the chapel, and, after some pleasant intercourse, and tendering some words of encouragement, returned to the boat, and pulled up the stream, to visit, the chief Kauiaui, the murderer of Williams. But the tide had fallen, and we could not get to his village from the lowness of the water ; so we returned to the vessel, thankful to God for all w e had seen and heard. Next morning, Mr. Sunderland and I went again on shore, to visit the teachers. They had but poor accommodations, but we found them all well pleased with their first night on shore. We had a meeting with them and the people in the chapel. There were not very many present, most of the people being away at some distance preparing food for a great feast. Prayer and praise were presented by the teachers in the native language. We then gave an exhortation to the people, which was interpreted by one of the teachers, after which, we addressed a few words of advice and encouragement to the teachers. Our feelings were of no ordinary kind while engaged in these solemn and delightful duties, so near to the spot where Williams fell. Having taken an affectionate farewell of the teachers and their wives, we took on board with us the chiefs Naiuan and Kauiaui, with whom the teachers respectively reside, and made each of them a present, and thus completed our deeply interesting duties at Eramanga. There is no doubt that more would have been done on this island but for the ill-health and scarcity of food with which the teachers have had to contend. And, if they have not, in every respect, acted as we could have wished, they have much, from the difficulties just named, to try and hinder them. They much deserve our sympathy, and we feel thankful for what, under the circumstances, has been effected. The great ignorance and degradation of the Eramangans, their thoughtlessness and irregular habits, and the scattered state in which they live present great difficulties in commencing missionary labours among them. But foreigners who have had long intercourse with them speak of them as a harmless, honest, and truthful people, and this testimony is corroborated by our teachers. Naturally, they seem to be an affectionate, tractable, and docile race; and by the prudent and devoted missionary they might soon be brought under instruction, collected into settlements, and reduced to more regular habits; and, at no far distant time, a rich harvest of souls might be gathered, as the fruit of his toils, and the crown of his rejoicing, in the day of the Lord. We are of opinion that, comparatively little progress will be made in this field till it is occupied by Europeans, and that they might now enter it without danger, and with the prospect of success. FATE. We reached this island early in the morning of the 19th of October, and sailed along close in shore. When we were off Olotapu, some canoes, which appeared to come from that place, and were not far from our vessel, passed on towards Havannah Harbour. We were rather astonished at this, as we had never seen such a thing done on any former occasion. Soon after this, another canoe came off from Olatapu, in which was a man who had been at Samoa. We got him on board, and learnt from him that the sad tale which we heard before we reached the island was too true, that some of the teachers had been killed. We then shortened sail, and stood close in towards the station at Erakor. Here we lay off and on for some time, wondering why the teachers did not come off. At length, we saw a great number of canoes coming off from Pango and the neighbouring places, and among them four or five large double canoes filled with men, all heavily armed. They were making towards the anchorage, thinking, we suppose, our vessel would come to anchor. A few small canoes came to our vessel from Erakor, and those in them soon recognized their friends whom we had on board. We got one of those canoes to go back to hasten off the teacher and the chief Pomare. In the meantime, the crew of our vessel had consulted together, and sent their unanimous request to the captain, not to bring the vessel to anchor, saying, the natives presented such a hostile appearance that they dreaded an attack. Certainly, the appearance of the natives was forbidding and formidable, very different from what we had ever before seen. They might not have had hostile intentions, but the lands from which they came, with the exception of Erakor, were living at variance among themselves, and being unwilling to come into collision with them, it was decided that the vessel should not come to anchor.

In a short time, the teacher came on board. Poor fellow ! when he saw us, he was deeply affected, and gave vent to his feelings by a flood of tears, being overcome by the thought that he was the only teacher whom God had spared amid the sad events which had happened to the mission during the year. As soon as he could compose his mind, he gave us a sad and distressing account. The bright hopes of last visit w'ere all overclouded by a dismal tale of disasters. On the 20th of November, last year, only nineteen days after they were landed under the most cheering and promising circumstances, the Rarotongan teachers, Pikika and Kavariri, and their wives, who were left at Lolopa were all barbarously murdered! Who could have thought that, so soon after so apparently hearty and enthusiastic a reception, such a bloody deed could have been perpetrated? That a people seemingly so desirous of teachers, and who gave them so joyous a welcome, could so soon imbrue their hands in their blood? How true is it that “ the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations.of cruelty.”

The news of the horrid deed reached the teachers at Erakor two days after it was committed. They were told it by a man of a neighbouring village, to which a part of the body of one of the teachers wives had been sent. There are various reports respecting the cause of their murder, and also respecting the manner in which it was perpetrated. We could not ascertain the truth of the matter. It seems to be quite certain, however, that the Lolopa people killed them, and that their bodies were cut up, distributed, and eaten ! It is said, that, when the teachers were killed, the chiefs wished to take their wives for themselves, and that the poor women fled, and attempted to cross the narrow strait that separates the island on which they lived from the main-land, and were pursued, and, by order of the chiefs, were killed in the water. It is also reported, that one of the chiefs spared the life of the little boy, the son of

one of the teachers, but that afterwards he ordered him to be taken out to sea, and cast away, which was done; but having escaped from the deep, they cut off the poor little fellow’s hands, and otherwise mangled him, and then killed and eat him I

Whether it was superstitious fears of disease and death which they thought would be caused by the teachers and their religion, a desire for their property or their w’ives, or the anger of the chief on account of the death of his son, who had been at Samoa, and died suddenly about a fortnight after his return. Whether any or all of these, or some other cause led to the murder of the teachers, we cannot tell. Without doubt, the deep ignorance and superstitious fears of the natives had much influence in leading them to commit such horrid deeds. Having no hope of getting any correct information by going to the place where the murderous deeds were perpetrated, and especially as none of the teachers were willing to go on shore there, if we did go, we deemed it useless to detain the vessel by doing so. Immediately after the murder of the teachers and their wives, an epidemic, in the form of dysentery, broke out on the small island of Kona, where the teachers were murdered, and rapidly carried off great numbers. It is said, that 150 men on it died of this disease, and that so great was the mortality that many dead bodies lay unburied. The disease spread rapidly over the main island, and carried off so many that some villages were all but depopulated, the few that escaped in them abandoned them, and went to live in other places. The village of Erakor, in which our only remaining station is, suffered with other places by this visitation. Sixty-five men, besides women and children, were carried off, and among them some of the most steady and hopeful. In August last, another epidemic, in the form of severe influenza, broke out, which also proved extensively fatal; sixteen died of it in the small settlement of Erakor, which is now reduced to a population of not more than 150. It had not quite ceased when we were there.

The teacher Vaaru, who was left at Erakor last voyage, died of fever, on the 15th of January, after eight days’ illness. Tauri, the other teacher from the Hervey Island, at this station, died of dysentery, on the 15th of May, after lingering for several months. Both died in the faith, exhorting their fellow-labourers to steadfastness and perseverance. Thus, besides the five from the Hervey Islands who were cut off by the hands of the natives, two more from that group have, since last voyage, fallen victims to the fatal climate of this island. The only remaining survivors are, a Samoan teacher and the widow of the Rarotongan teacher Vaaru. These, and four natives of Fate, and a Tongan man, who has been long on the island, we have brought to Samoa. One of the four Fatese is the son of Pomare, the chief of Erakor. The teachers at Erakor were, during the last year, frequently in danger of their lives. Parties from other villages, opposed to them and their work, and ever ready to blame them as the cause of disease, frequently came to Erakor, and advised the people there to kill them. On one occasion, when they went to an adjoining village to preach, a number of the Erakor people accompanied them; and, on account of some former grievances which occasioned bad feeling between the people of the two places, the people of this village attacked those of Erakor and the teachers, on their return home. Four of the Erakor people were killed, and the teachers narrowly escaped with their lives. One of them was beaten, and in great jeopardy ; and a spear hurled at another, passed through his garment. When they returned to Erakor, many of the people there were quite enraged at them, and threatened to lay violent hands on them, blaming them as the cause of the murder of their people. Parties related to those who were killed came from adjacent villages to Erakor, insisting that the teachers should be killed, or that they should pay for the bodies of their relatives who were killed, said, on their account. And, in order to quiet the people and prevent further evil, the teachers had each to give two large pigs and six large mats. The only surviving teacher being promised by the deputation, last voyage, to be taken back to Samoa, and having fully made up his mind to return now, we thought of leaving Sualo and another in his place. We tried much to get Sualo to agree to this, but could not prevail on him to do so. The hostile state of the people, and the danger to which, in consequence, the teachers were exposed, made him afraid. And one thing which we came to know, and which greatly increased his fear was, that the family of a wicked man of Olatapu, an adjoining village, who had been at Samoa, and whose wife had run away from him there, had determined that, if his wife did not return in the missionary vessel, they would kill and eat the first Samoan they could catch. They had prepared the firewood for this diabolical purpose, and stored it away in their house; and he was afraid he would become the victim. Thus, were we obliged, with extreme reluctance, to leave, for the present, our only remaining station on the island without a teacher. The insecurity of the teachers, arising from the state of the people and the want of protection, and the unhealthiness of the climate, made it, indeed, a question, whether we ought, at the present time, to leave teachers, even if we could have got any who were willing to be left. We felt exceedingly for the poor people of Erakor, and, no doubt, they too felt keenly on being left without a teacher. But they have a little light among them, which, we hope will continue to burn and brighten, and yet spread over this dark land. A considerable number at Erakor have abandoned most of the heathen practices, and, to a great extent, at least in their external conduct, conform to the requirements of the Word of God. Family and public worship are regularly attended to by them, and they are very desirous of instruction. Seven men, including the chief, afford evidence that they have felt the power of the truth on their hearts, and have been for some time employed as assistants to the teachers. These will, no doubt, continue to conduct public services, and we cherish the hope that the day will yet come (may it be soon!) when the eyes of this people will again “ see their teachers.” Sualo, who is married to a daughter of the chief, and the teacher who has now left them, yet hope to return to live and labour among them. MARE (NENGONE). We left Fate (or, Sandwich Island), on the 19th, after sun-set, and reached Mare on the 23rd. In the morning, we were off Neche, in the district of Sekuama, the principal station on the island. The teachers came off and gave us the gladdening intelligence that all the teachers and their families were well, and their work going on prosperously. We got the boats down immediately, and Mr. Sunderland and I, accompanied by the new missionaries, Messrs. Creagh and Jones, went ashore. The people crowded to the beach, and gave us a hearty welcome. We were much pleased with their respectful behaviour, and to see so many of them clothed. With very few exceptions, they bad all some covering, either native or foreign. We passed along through the crowd to the teacher’s house, and finding everything in a most encouraging state, we told the teachers that we wished to have a meeting with the chiefs and people. Very soon, a large number eagerly as-

sembled in the space before the house erected for the missionaries. We then asked them, if they still held the desire repeatedly expressed by them, for missionaries to come and live among them—whether it was their wish that Messrs. Jones and Creagh should do so—and, if they did, whether they would protect them and their wives, treat them kindly, and attend to their instructions. To all these questions the chiefs promptly answered in the affirmative. We then told them that, in case of political difference, or of war breaking out, which we hoped never would, the missionaries could take no part in them; that their aim would be to promote peace and friendship among all parties, and to labour for the present welfare and everlasting happiness of all.

All being thus far satisfactorily arranged, the next thing was to get houses, as temporary residences for our newlyarrived friends, and Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland, who were appointed to remain with them for a time, to assist them in commencing their labours. As there were three families, we wished to know what houses they might have to live in, and were told, they might have any they might choose. We soon fixed on three convenient plastered cottages, which their owners gave up to them most cheerfully. Having thus got the way fully prepared for the landing of our friends and their property we returned to the vessel, and told our good captain, who soon brought the vessel to anchor about two miles from the settlement, and commenced taking the goods on shore. Early in the afternoon of the 25th of October, the landing of the goods and cattle were completed, and our dear friends took up their residence at this most interesting station. Seldom or ever has it been the lot of missionaries to commence their labours under circumstances so favourable, among a people so prepared to receive them, and to benefit by their instructions. More than one half of the island have abandoned heathenism, and are thirsting for instruction ; and in those parts where the people have not yet done so, the teachers are well received, so that there is every reason to hope that the whole island will very soon profess Christianity.

At Neche, the station at which the missionaries noware, and throughout the district of Sekuama, the whole population, with the exception of the very aged and the very young, can read, and about forty can write. About one Hundred persons are candidates for gospel ordinances, and there is every reason to hope that the missionaries will soon have the happiness to form a Christian church. The chiefs have each put away all his wives but one. Twelve plastered houses have been built; and, since last voyage, in place of a large plastered chapel which a storm had blown down, a strong stone chapel has been built, eighty feet long by sixty feet wide, which is filled to overflowingevery Sabbath with attentive hearers.

Having completed our work so auspiciously at this station, we left it, Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland accompanying us, on the afternoon of the 25th, to visit the district of Seuaeko, where our other station on this island is. We came to anchor at Uananaletch, where the teachers are stationed, in the morning of the 26th. Here we found things in a state of prosperity similar to that at Sekuama. Heathenism and polygamy are entirely abandoned; the people are equally desirous of missionaries, and thirsting for knowledge. They very much wished that one of the missionaries should live among them. We told them that it was likely this would be the case, and that, in the meantime the missionaries would visit them till further arrangements could be made. At this station, sixteen plastered houses have been built; and, since last visit, their plastered chapel, blown down by the storm, has been replaced by another, ninety feet long by thirty wide, which is crowded every Sabbath. Two hundred and fifty persons have learnt to read well, and a large number, in different stages of progress, are learning. Nearly forty have learnt to write. There are eighty-five candidates for churchfellowship, and here too it is likely a church will be formed. We had a large and deeply interesting service here with the people. It was most encouraging and refreshing to hear them join in the song of praise to God, and to see them listen with so much attention to the Word of life.

The teachers at both stations are highly respected and esteemed, and treated with great kindness. They have gained great influence, which they have used to good account, as appears from the large measure of success with which, under the blessing of God, their labours have been crowned. We left three more teachers from Samoa on the island, two of them married, who, with the four there before will greatly aid the missionaries in carrying forward the good work which has already been so successful. TOK A. We left Mare in the morning of the 27th, and reached the station on this small island about ten a.m. of the same day. We found the teacher well. He is kindly treated, and has done some good among the people, but he is too old to be able to effect much. We arranged that he should be removed, and his place supplied, as soon as possible, by a more efficient teacher. The resident population of this island is upwards of 200 ; but, being a place of call between Mare and Lifu, there are sometimes on it nearly 500. A good plastered chapel and three plastered houses have been built at this station. About twenty persons have learnt to read, and a few seem in earnest about the salvation of their souls. The people generally profess Christianity, but polygamy is still retained by the chief, who has ten wives, and his brother, who has three. We made the chief a present, as we did to those at the stations on the other islands, and gave a few words of exhortation to him and a few who assembled in the teacher’s house. LIFU. We left Toka about noon, with a strong breeze, and, in about three hours after, reached Lifu. The wind and sea prevented us from having any communication with the teacher at Mu (Anerewil), the first-formed station on this island, we, therefore, passed on to Ue, the station formed upwards of two years ago, which we reached about four, p.m. We immediately got down the boats, to take on shore the two teachers and their wives, whom we had decided on leaving on this island, and some natives of Lifu, whom we had brought from Tana and Samoa. But the wind increasing, with a heavy swell across the deep bay, we were obliged to loose away the boats before all got into them, to prevent the vessel from being driven upon the lee shore. This prevented Mr. Sunderland and me from getting on shore. It was five days before we could get the boats off, and complete our work at this island. On the Ist of November, the weather became calm, and the teachers came off in the boats. We were glad to find that they and the teacher and his family at the other station were well, and that their labours on the island were being increasingly blessed and prospered. The people having learned that we were coming, by canoes that had come from Mare after we reached it, more than 3,000 persons assembled at this station to welcome us, and were much disappointed in not seeing us on shore. The large plastered chapel, mentioned in last report as in course of building, had been completed, and blown down by a storm ; but a new one has been built in its stead, one hundred and

twenty feet long by thirty-six wide ; and the Sabbath our boats were on shore it was densely crowded with attentive hearers. A large number have learnt to read; and about forty seem earnest in seeking salvation. At Mu (A nerewil), |he first-formed station on this island, things are in a more advanced state than those at Ue. More have learnt to read, and a greater number are seeking salvation, and desirous of chureh-fellowship. A great hindrance to the instruction of this people is the want of suitable books, and other school apparatus; but we hope that these will soon be supplied. With very trifling exceptions, the whole population of the island profess Christianity, and their call for missionaries is becoming louder and louder. They pleaded much to get one of those placed on Mare; but we could only leave with them two more teachers, expressing our confident hope, that two missionaries would be brought for them next voyage of the missionary vessel; and in this, we trust, neither we nor they will be disappointed.

Having completed our work at Lifu, we sailed again for Mare, on the Ist of November, and arrived on the 3rd, and went on shore with Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland, who were to remain for a time to assist in commencing missionary operations. We found our esteemed missionary friends on shore all well and comfortable in their little cottages, and animated by the promising state and pleasing prospects of their mission ; and, having affectionately commended each other and our work to God, in prayer, we bade all our dear friends farewell, and sailed for

NIUE, OR SAVAGE ISLAND. We reached this island in the afternoon of the 24th of November, just three weeks after we left Mare. One of the teachers came off and remained on board all night; and, on the following day, we saw all the teachers, and got their reports. We were happy to find, that the hostilities and bad feeling which took place after the visit of 11.8. M. ship “Calliope” had subsided, and that, with very trifling exceptions, heathenism had been abandoned throughout the whole island. The people now go from land to land without fear of each other ; and the teachers can pursue their work everywhere without interruption, and are kindly treated by the people. The desire for instruction is becoming general. To use the words of one of the teachers, “the mountains of difficulty are now all removed ; the Word of God is growing and will grow rapidly in this land.” The desire of the people for clothing and useful articles, such as hatchets and knives, is very great; and we were pleased to see so much improvement in the covering of their bodies.

At Matalau, the first-formed station, considerable progress has been made in the work of instruction and moral improvement. About fifty persons have learnt to read well, and many, in different degrees of progress, are learning. The desire for scriptural knowledge is increasing ; and upwards of twenty of the most hopeful inquirers have been formed into a select class.

At Aloft, a few have learnt to read, and the desire for instruction is great. More would have been effected here had not circumstances led to the suspension of the teacher who laboured at this station. We left a new teacher and his wife from Samoa, at this place, and we have every reason now to expect that the work will progress more rapidly.

At the new station formed by the teacher that was taken to the island, last voyage, things are very encouraging. He has acquired the language, and preaches among the people very acceptably. He has got a good house erected for himself, and also a good chapel, which is filled to overflowing with attentive hearers. He has, also, two outstations, at which he preaches regularly. The teachers are highly-respected, and have gained great influence, and are doing much good. Their labours are much hindered for want of suitable school apparatus, and in sufficient numbers. We hope this want will be supplied when they are next visited. It was our happiness to convey to them 1,000 copies of an excellent elementary school-book, containing select portions of the Old and New Testaments, and also a small collection of hymns. It will be a great boon to the people, and will be highly prized by them. This book was translated by the teachers into the native language, and printed at Samoa.

The desire for teachers is great, and we ought, gs soon as possible, to send two more efficient men, who, with those already there, will fully supply the island.

The facts narrated in this report will speak for themselves, and will show our friends who are interested in our work in these seas, how much cause there is for thanksgiving to the Hearer of prayer. Though some of our courageous and noble pioneers have fallen in the high places of the field, and a gloom has, for the present, been cast over one fair Island, yet what a large amount of success has crowned the work of the devoted labourers in our infant missions. What a large return has been made to the comparatively small outlay that has been expended upon them ! It is, therefore, to be hoped, that the earnest and affecting appeals which are constantly being made from so many of our stations will be speedily responded to, and a sufficient number of well-qualified and devoted men be found for them in the churches. May the God of missions bless His people with a spirit of prayer and liberality, and speedily send forth an adequate number of labourers to these fields, which “ are white unto the harvest I” Malua, Dec. 4,1854. Charles Hardie.