SAMOAN GROUP. 129 



injury from any of the natives. They have established schools in 

 many of the villages, but have found a difficulty in obtaining native 

 teachers. 



A printing-press has also been established at Upolu, and rapid 

 progress is making in the translation of the Scriptures, of which some 

 portions are already published. Many publications have issued from 

 this press : among them I regretted to observe a small tract containing 

 a violent attack upon the Roman Catholics. The sight of this sur- 

 prised me, as it contradicted the opinion I had formed, from my 

 intercourse with the missionaries, of their liberality and freedom from 

 intolerance. The sole object of the tract was to prepossess the minds 

 of the natives against the missionaries of the Papal Church, in case 

 they should visit these islands. This struck me as being at variance 

 with the first principles of our religion ; and I could not refrain from 

 expressing an opinion that the tract was calculated to do much harm. 



The labours of the English missionaries have been much aided by 

 native assistants, who have been both industrious and successful ; and 

 among them, those of Raratonga have the merit of having led the 

 way. They have acted under the direction of Mr. Williams, and he 

 was loud in praise of their exertions. I witnessed a most interesting 

 meeting of these native missionaries, for the purpose of selecting nine 

 from their number to accompany Mr. Williams to the New Hebrides, 

 which has perhaps left a more deep impression on my mind from the 

 melancholy result of that attempted mission. 



Great anxiety was exhibited by the candidates ; and I have never 

 seen a more proper state of feeling, or listened to more correct senti- 

 ments than were expressed on this occasion. All appeared devoted to 

 their calling, and some of them were quite eloquent. After the choice 

 was announced, those upon whom it had fallen manifested a cheerful 

 but not unbecoming triumph, while the rejected candidates were 

 evidently grieved and disappointed. The former were now kivested 

 with new apparel, which, although no more than a striped cotton 

 shirt,* gave them an air of consequence among their brethren, which 

 was amusing to us who could draw comparisons between this simple 

 garment and prouder kinds of canonicals. 



Each of the resident missionaries now delivered a long harangue, 



* This garment is the only remuneration that they receive during each year from the 

 missionary funds, and with it they feel themselves well requited. 



I have to acknowledge the obligation under which I feel myself to the missionaries, both 

 individually and collectively, for their kindness and attention. They did all in their power 

 to further the objects of the Expedition, and to them the squadron is mainly indebted for a 

 great part of the facilities we enjoyed of becoming acquainted with the manners, habits, and 

 customs of the Samoans. 



VOL. II. 17 



