V I T I GROUP. 



155 



ONEATA. 



Oneata Island, with its two islets, one named Observatory Isle, lies 

 in an extensive reef, 8 miles in length, east and west, by 31 wide, its 

 eastern end forming a point. There is one good entrance on its 

 northeast side, and two on the northwest. Good anchorage may be 

 found under Observatory Isle, and also abreast of a sandy bay on the 

 west side of Oneata, where there is a village. The northeast entrance 

 is marked by two rocks, which are readily perceived on approaching 

 it. All the entrances into the reef are bold ; those on the northeast 

 are most suitable to enter at, the wind being fair, which is also the 

 case with those on the west to depart by. 



Observatory Isle is 250 feet high, and well marked by a few trees 

 on its top; it is not seen on the approach from the east. An abundance 

 of vegetables, with poultry, &c. &c, can be obtained at Oneata. The 

 natives are considered to be sharp traders, notwithstanding they are 

 mostly Christians. There has been two native missionaries for some 

 years residing among them. Good pilots for the Eastern Group may 

 be obtained here, and the natives of this island have done many humane 

 and kind acts to those who have been shipwrecked. 



The length of Oneata is 3 miles, and its greatest width 1 h miles. 

 There is no water to be had, except from wells, and that at times is 

 brackish. 



The current through the Oneata Passage generally sets to the east- 

 ward. The tide rises feet, and it is high water, full and change, at 

 11 o'clock. The principal village is situated on the south side of the 

 island, in a grove of luxuriant cocoanut palms. This island is very 

 much covered with scorise and lava, with many deep chasms. The 

 shores are covered with mangrove bushes. 



AIVA. 



Aiva-va and Aiva-thaki (high and low), are two uninhabited 

 islands, enclosed within the same reef, which is 9 miles in length, 

 west-by-north and east-by-south, and 3i wide, having an extensive 

 break on the north side, which affords an entrance and good anchorage 

 within. There are some patches of coral that show themselves, but 

 are easily avoided by a careful look-out from aloft ; there is, however, 



