1G8 



HYDROGRAPHY. 



this channel, situated in the Latte Reef; if these should be made to the 

 westward, no time ought to be lost in hauling up to pass to the north- 

 ward of them, and after they bear south, the Island of Naiau should 

 be steered for. The direct course through this channel is southwest. 

 It is 46 miles in length, and 16 miles at its narrowest part. Though 

 obstructed by outlying reefs of great extent, yet after these are passed, 

 there is a clear and open sea for vessels to work in, and the islands of 

 Lakemba and Naiau are good marks, being careful not to bring the 

 Island of Lakemba to bear to the west of southwest, on which bearing 

 the northern edge of the Bocatatanoa Reef lies. The wind usually 

 permits a vessel to stand through this passage. 



NANUKU PASSAGE. 



The Nanuku Passage is the most northern in the Eastern Group. 

 In fine weather it may be approached without danger. The course 

 through this channel is southwest half west. Vessels desirous of pass- 

 ing through it, should endeavor to make the Island of Nanuku. After 

 they have sighted it, the passage will be open, and by steering a 

 southwest course, they will be led into the Sea of Goro, where they 

 will find plenty of room to encounter bad weather. If vessels should 

 be at the entrance of this passage, towards nightfall, without having 

 made either Nanuku or Yalangalala Islands, I would strongly urge 

 them to continue their course, if they are sure of their latitude, as 

 much the safest ; by so doing they will avoid the doubt as to their 

 situation, which a few hours lying by would produce, from drift by 

 current ; indeed, it is desirable to pursue this course also in making 

 the reefs at the mouth of the Lakemba Passage. It must be con- 

 stantly borne in mind, when approaching this group, that the reefs, in 

 most cases, and particularly those of great extent, and most danger- 

 ous, extend the greatest distance on the windward or eastern side of 

 the islands, and therefore, by getting on the western side, dangers are 

 not only avoided, but smooth water may be found under the lee of 

 the islands. 



Vessels entering through the Nanuku Passage and bound for Somu- 

 somu, can haul up to the north-northwest, to pass between the reef of 

 Lauthala and Nanuku, and thence round the north end of Vuna, into 

 the Strait of Somu-somu. This course I deem preferable to passing 

 through Tasman's Strait. Another and a safe route is to stand on to 



