MAUI. 249 



is impossible for them to get their children there ; for to do so, they 

 must be themselves devout members of the church, and first place 

 their children at one of the district schools ; while it depends, after all, 

 upon the selection of the missionaries, whether the boys will be 

 allowed to enter. 



From this school, of late years, have been taken all the native 

 teachers, and most of them are employed on the part of the govern- 

 ment ; it therefore becomes desirable to all to have their children 

 educated in it. 



There is another circumstance which prevents and interferes with 

 the proper cultivation of this establishment, namely, the want of water, 

 which the native land-owners refuse to allow the use of for the lower 

 part of the grounds. With a very little trouble and expense, this diffi- 

 culty might be overcome ; but there is wanting the inclination, both on 

 the part of the missionaries and government, to effect a change. 



It is easy to point out the defects in an establishment, but much 

 more difficult to suggest a remedy. The difficulty is, perhaps, not 

 easily overcome, but I will offer one or two plans, which appeared to 

 me to be feasible, and calculated to give the natives a turn towards 

 becoming a pastoral as well as an agricultural people. The pupils 

 should be taught the care of cattle and the superintendence of flocks, 

 to which pursuit the greater part of the land of these islands is well 

 adapted. A sufficient inducement might be held out for exertion, by 

 giving them a portion of the increase of the flocks, that would recom- 

 pense them for their care, without increasing the expenses of the 

 society. Above all things, in their manual labour schools the higher 

 branches should not be taught before the pupils are all well grounded 

 in the lower ones; for instance, I can conceive of nothing more 

 absurd and useless than spending the time of both teachers and 

 scholars in studying Greek, as was proposed. Fortunately for the 

 students, however, they could not proceed for want of books. I would 

 not be understood as throwing any blame on the missionaries : there 

 are many errors committed and expenses incurred in conducting a 

 mission, that ought to be looked at with much charity by those who 

 are visiters, as well as by the society at home. Even a slight know- 

 ledge of the situation of things will show how difficult it is for the 

 Board of Missions to judge of the expenses incurred in carrying on 

 their operations, and how unwise it is for the managers at home to 

 control their agents, except by some general rules applicable to their 

 duties. The employment of persons in whom they have confidence 

 is the best and only security ; and if those who are invested with 



vol. iv. 32 



