362 FEEJEE GROUP. 
On the 2d of August, a total eclipse of the moon occurred. It 
began about 8 pr. m., and the moon was totally obscured until two 
o’clock in the morning. When it emerged, it was of a blood-red colour, 
which it retained until it set. The natives were in great consterna- 
tion, and said that it foreboded the death of some great chief, and the 
destruction of some town. On the strength of it, Whippy says, the 
mountain chiefs on Ovolau began to quarrel, and four of them were 
severely wounded in a fight, but none killed. The chief of Levuka 
sent his son to try and make peace among them, but with little 
effect, 
The chief of Rewa’s brother, Mr. Phillips, who had fled to Ambau, 
returned to Rewa, which he was again ordered to leave; but he 
refused, and is determined to fight if his brother should undertake to 
compel him, 
The islands are becoming worse every day, for the tyrant Seru is 
depopulating them, and will do a great deal of harm if his.career be 
not stopped. He is now, in fact, king, for Tanoa does not dare to act 
without Seru’s permission. He is constantly sending to the white men 
at Levuka for their property, and notwithstanding his demands are 
complied with, he continues to threaten to break their heads. To please 
him they find to be impossible, and Whippy writes, if his reign be not 
shortened, their lives will be. 
Several trading vessels have been at Malolo, who all speak of the 
natives, both there and in the neighbourhood, as being very friendly 
and civil. 
Several vessels had arrived and were fishing for biche de mar, but 
without much success. ‘The wars and massacres constantly occurring 
had, in a great measure, put a stop to all the labours of the natives, 
and had turned their attention from all peaceful pursuits. 
In the latter part of July, both the towns of Levuka were totally 
destroyed by fire, which took place in the dead of the night. Whippy 
and the rest lost all their property ; books, papers, &c., were all burnt, 
but no lives were lost. The town, however, was fast rebuilding, and 
would be much improved. 
The missionaries and their families are all well at Somu-somu, but 
they have made no converts. Mr. Cross complains that the Viwa 
chief, Naugarrasia, had turned out a hypocrite, after having deceived 
him for'a year. The missionaries are making no further progress at 
Rewa, and the troubles there will prevent any. They have not yet 
been favoured with a missionary teacher at Levuka, which these 
respectable men have been long endeavouring to obtain, They are 
& ym line 
J 
