LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 203 



from the chief, he presented it to the missionaries for the purpose. 

 Mr. Cargill stayed a few days at Levuka, after our departure, in order 

 to make arrangements respecting the erection of a school-house and 

 chapel, which the chief had promised to erect on the ground, that the 

 white men might enjoy their own religion, or lotu. 



Mr. Hunt mentioned to me, that the gift of Mr. Waldron would, 

 according to the custom of the Feejees, enable them to establish a 

 mission station at Levuka, notwithstanding the objections of Tanoa, 

 for the owners now had a right to do what they pleased with the soil 

 or ground that belonged to them, without hindrance or control. 

 Tanoa has hitherto resisted every attempt to induce him to admit 

 a missionary within his immediate sovereignty, while all the other 

 towns or districts have acceded to and desire their residence. 1 was 

 told that his reason for refusing was, that he considers that the 

 moment the missionary comes, a chief loses his influence, or must 

 chancre his religion. This he now was too old to do, as he would be 

 unable to learn all about the gods of the Papalangis, and it would be 

 showing great disrespect to his own gods, whom he has worshipped 

 so long. I have myself but little doubt if Tanoa, in the height of his 

 power, had embraced Christianity, the whole of his people would have 

 followed ; but as long as he resists, none will change, partly through 

 fear of their own chief, but more so from the punishment which would 

 await them by the orders of the great Ambau chief. 



On the 27th, the instruments were all embarked, and the return of 

 the tender enabled me to put to sea on the 28th of June. Intending 

 to visit the hot springs of Savu-savu on Vanua-levu, we left Levuka 

 in the morning, and stood over towards the end of the Wakaia Reef, 

 with the view of passing round it. It being Sunday, the Rev. Mr. 

 Hunt, who was a passenger on board with me, volunteered to officiate 

 for us, which was gladly accepted. After service, I found the wind 

 would not permit my weathering the point of the reef; so I bore up to 

 pass through the Mokungai Passage, with a strong breeze. After 

 getting througlu(which we had some difficulty in doing, in conse- 

 quence of the strong ebb tide setting to the southward and westward), 

 I stood on towards Direction or Nemena Island, intending, as the 

 wind was becoming light, to enter through the narrow passage 

 in the reef, and anchor under it, rather than remain surrounded 

 by reefs during the night. Tom Granby had some doubts about 

 the propriety of attempting it, but, as I knew the passage well my- 

 self, I determined to try it, if we reached it before sunset. On our 



