152 Voyage of the Nov ar a. 



Islands, tlie Solomon Group, and New Caledonia. Many 

 only remained at the institute during the warm summer 

 months, and for health's sake returned before winter set in to 

 their own milder climate. Some had thus returned to school 

 for the fourth time. The management of this humane under- 

 taking is entrusted to Mr. Patterson, a gentleman of remark- 

 able ability and perseverance, who speaks with fluency most 

 of the Polynesian languages, and annually faces much priva- 

 tion and danger during his visit, in a schooner provided by 

 the Missionary Society, to the various islands of the Southern 

 Ocean, where he communicates with the natives, urging 

 them to give their children the benefits of a certain amount 

 of education. The course of instruction consists of reading, 

 writing, arithmetic, and religion. It is unfortunate that no 

 provision is made for their instruction in mechanical employ- 

 ments, as such knowledge would go far to make their heathen 

 kindred appreciate the advantages of Christian civilization. 

 The pupils seem to be warmly attached to Mr. Patterson, 

 and regard him with the child-like reverence paid to a 

 father. The results are surprising, and demonstrate what 

 splendid germs of capacity for education lie slumbering in 

 even the rudest primitive people, if only care be taken to 

 awake them sufficiently early, and foster them judiciously. 



As in all English colonies, there is much intellectual 

 activity in Auckland. Several English journals,* some 



* The Government also publishes at its own expense a Maori paper weekly, Te 

 Karere Maori, the Maori Messenger, the subscription to which is 5s. M. per annum, 



