A Remarkable Example of Decline. 



chiefs, some of whom hold responsible positions 

 in the Government. . . . Immorality, so the 

 history of nations declares, has always militated 

 against the best interests of the human race. 

 Since the abolition of club-law, immorality has 

 increased alarmingly. While I do not for a 

 moment wish to imply that I advocate the re- 

 establishment of this summary form of punish- 

 ment, I do sincerely and respectfully advocate a 

 more general application of the law." 



It is a great mistake to think that immorality 

 can be put down by any application of the law. 

 If moral suasion fails, punishment is worse than 

 useless. The Rev. W. Allen's suggestion of a 

 pamphlet is a very practical remedy, which 

 appeals to the reason, by pointing out to the 

 natives how they suffer by giving way to their 

 passions : they might be weaned from their vices, 

 and be taught self-respect ; whereas punishment 

 is degrading. 



Another writer (Rev. W. Slade, Wesleyan Mis- 

 sionary, Gaviau) : " The Fijian mother is un- 

 doubtedly very careless of her offspring. The 

 reason is to be found in her unstable character. 

 The cares of maternity appear to become some- 

 what irksome to her. For long periods she 

 leaves her offspring in charge of children who 

 are themselves mere infants, and at such times 

 the helpless child is wholly without nourish- 

 ment. . . . The chances of the Fijian mother 

 bearing healthy children are lessened by her 

 loose morality. I have been shocked to find at 

 what an early age "native 'girls surrender their 

 virtue." 



