SOMU-SOMU. 155 



north side of Moala resembles that of Totoia, being a collection of 

 sunken and detached patches. The reef on the northeast makes off 

 to the distance of two and a half miles. After passing it, there is a 

 deep indentation in the island, with a broad passage through the reef, 

 leading to a safe and very fine harbour, and, wmat is unusual, the 

 passage is sufficiently wide for a vessel to beat out. This, however, 

 would seldom be necessary, as there are several passages through the 

 reef to the westward, which are safe with a leading wind. 



This island affords wood, water, and some provisions, and has about 

 seven hundred inhabitants. 



The imprudence and over-confidence of Lieutenant Underwood 

 was very near involving them in difficulties ; and had it not been for 

 the timely caution of Charley, there is little doubt but a disaster 

 would have happened to them. The two boats were under charge 

 of Lieutenant Underwood and Passed Midshipman Sinclair. In the 

 foremost of them was a chief of the island, in the latter was Charley. 

 Lieutenant Underwood approached the shore-reef, with the intention 

 of getting some hogs and yams, which he had sent the natives to seek ; 

 but they would not trade unless the boats landed, and this Lieutenant 

 Carr had expressly ordered Lieutenant Underwood not to do. When 

 the natives discovered they could not be induced to land, they col- 

 lected in great numbers, headed by a chief, became very noisy, and 

 showed signs of hostility. Lieutenant Underwood, notwithstanding 

 the precautionary orders, was unprepared to meet an attack ; and the 

 necessity of resorting to their arms was only thought of, when Charley 

 called out, " You had better stand to your arms, gentlemen ; they are 

 after mischief." Upon this the boat was immediately hauled out. 

 When the arms were displayed, the natives took to their heels. 



According to Charley, these islanders, not long since, seized a boat 

 belonging to a trader, and, after plundering it, would only liberate the 

 crew on receiving a large ransom. Such appears to have been the 

 over-confidence and carelessness of some of the officers on these boat 

 duties, that they neglected not only the strict orders, to be at all times 

 prepared, but likewise needlessly put in jeopardy the lives of the men 

 entrusted to them. It is now, on looking back, a wonder to me that 

 we escaped accident so long as we did, and certainly not extraordinary 

 that one did at last happen. I am well satisfied, that had full atten- 

 tion been paid to the orders given, and specially impressed upon all, 

 no disaster could have happened. 



Lieutenant Carr, finding that his time was almost expired, deter- 



