. 306 TFIE CBUISE OF THE ' GUBAQOA.' 



amiable, and engaging manners ; of his deep-rooted interest 

 — recalling that of his distinguished predecessor Bishop 

 Selwyu — in the object of his missionary labours, which 

 liad been exerted for the benefit of some of those by 

 whom he was unexpectedly slain, was but too well cal- 

 culated to arouse an indiscriminating resentment and de- 

 sire for vengeance. Nevertheless there was immediately 

 discernible a disposition to enquire if the proximate authors 

 of the crime were the primary authors, and whether 

 the ends of justice would not be best answered by active 

 measures against the ruffian whites, who, by their fright- 

 ful provocations, madden the natives into the commis- 

 sion of these murderous acts ? But what is of the highest 

 importance to know is, that the directors of the missionary 

 enterprise especially connected with this affiiir, do themselves 

 participate in this improved feeling, of which they have 

 given marked evidence in a strong protest against the 

 conduct of the missionaries responsible for the proceedings 

 which have just been narrated. As the reply to this protest 

 by the person chiefly answerable for them gives an insight 

 into the way in which they too often originate, it may 

 perhaps be interesting to refer to it. 



As far back as 1862 there had been meetings in Sydney 

 praying Sir John Young to take such steps as he should 

 think proper respecting certain occurrences which had 

 taken place in Tanna and Eramanga. In the same year 

 H.M.S. 'Pelorus,' touched at these places, but uo action 

 of any kind was taken. But when, in 1S05, the ' Cura- 



