154 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



Fulanga Passage ; to the south-southeast of it lies Tavunuku and 

 Chicks reefs, on which the sea usually breaks. Both Komo and Ularua 

 are in sight from these dangers : they may be easily perceived during 

 daylight, but ought to be studiously avoided at night ; the set of the 

 current is to the eastward at this part of the Eastern Group. 



KOMO AND KOMO-RIKI. 



Komo and Komo-Riki are two small islands surrounded by a reef, 

 with an opening on the northeast side. Anchorage may be found 

 within the reef, but it is exposed in northeast winds. Komo is high, 

 about three miles in circumference, and inhabited. But few articles 

 of provision can be obtained. 



MOTHA AND KARONI. 



Motha and Karoni are situated in the same reef, which extends in 

 a north-northwest and south-southeast direction, 8 miles in length, and 

 has a breadth of 4 i miles ; there is only a boat-entrance on the north 

 end. Motha is situated in the northern part, is two miles in diameter, 

 with a surface much broken, but rises to a considerable height, and on 

 its sloping sides are many elevations divided by ravines; these are but 

 partially covered with trees. The soil is rich, but the population is 

 small. This island can be seen from a great distance; it has a rounded 

 form, and is the southern landmark for the Oneata Passage. Karoni is 

 but a small island, in the southern bight of the reef ; it offers nothing 

 of interest, but serves to identify Motha. One mile from the southeast 

 end of Motha Reef, lies Konapotu Reef, 6 miles in circumference : the 

 sea usually breaks on it with violence. To the east of the northern 

 end of Motha Reef, 3 miles distant, is Matau Reef; it is of an irregular 

 shape, nearly 2 miles in length, northeast and southwest, by 1J wide ; 

 and 4 miles beyond this, to the east-southeast, lies Vao Reef, which is 

 3 miles in length, northwest and southeast, and but 1 mile wide. The 

 most dangerous reef, lying more immediately in the Oneata Channel, 

 is Like-like ; it is about li miles square, and rather nearer the Motha 

 side of the channel : this is also known as the Active Reef, on which 

 a vessel of that name was lost. 



