MALOLO, 297 
west side, in water from seven to twelve fathoms deep; but a good 
and safe harbour exists on the Moturiki side, by entering through a 
narrow channel before reaching Thangala Island. This channel may 
be known bya large coral rock on the reef. After getting through the 
reef, there is anchorage in from seven to ten fathoms, with sandy 
bottom. 
We passed through the Moturiki Passage, and steered for Am- 
batiki, examining on our rouie, the transit bearings, and taking angles 
on the different peaks, in order to verify the charts. We also passed 
close to the Horseshoe Reef, off which I obtained chronometer sights 
and angles; and made many useful observations on Goro, Nairai, 
Angau, Ambatiki, Wakaia, and Ovolau. We thence proceeded to 
Vuna, which we did not reach until daylight on the 7th, after a 
tedious sail, contending with light winds and calms under its high- 
lands. 
At Somu-somu we found the missionaries under some alarm re- 
specting the prospect of war with Ambau, which had been for some 
time threatening them, and was now about to commence. The cause 
of hostilities appeared, according to the missionaries, to have been a 
difficulty that had occurred between Somu-somu and the town of Buia, 
on the south side of Vuna. 
Several months previously, some canoes belonging to Vuna, when 
in distress, took refuge in the dominions of Ambau, and received kind 
treatment; for the people of Ambau, instead of putting them to death, 
or making them slaves, afforded them the means of returning to their 
own country. The Vuna people, after their return, proposed to give 
the Ambau chiefs and people a feast, which, becoming known to 
Tui Thakau, king of Somu-somu, he became offended, and argued, 
that if they were rich enough to give feasts, they might pay more 
tribute, which he at once called upon them to do. This they consi- 
dered as very arbitrary, and contrary to their usages. They therefore 
refused to pay, having first applied to Ambau for protection, which 
was readily promised them, agreeably to the wily policy of Ambau, 
which is always to protect the weak, and produce strife in the different 
districts, that they themselves may finally profit by the contention. 
This prospect of war prevented the Somu-somu chiefs and people from 
uniting in the festivities of the king of Muthuata; and instead of accept- 
ing the invitation, they were obliged to request the alliance of the king, 
through his son Ko-Mbiti, who, it will be recollected, had returned to 
Muthuata after the Peacock’s arrival. The old king of Muthnata, 
although very friendly to Somu-somu, yet feared the displeasure of 
VOL. III. 38 
