VITI GROUP. 



IS7 



spicuous. When inside the Island of Nukulau, a vessel may anchor 

 in any berth, in from 7 to 15 fathoms water, muddy bottom, and good 

 holding-ground ; but the best anchorage is that already given. Three 

 miles west of the south entrance into Rewa Roads, there is another 

 break through the sea-reef. This is 300 yards wide; a small grass or 

 sand islet on the reef points it out ; it is, therefore, a good sailing 

 mark; but this entrance is only to be used to depart from, as the wind 

 would be ahead, and a vessel have a long beat among the coral 

 patches within the reef to reach the anchorage after passing through, 

 which could be made quicker and with more safety outside. Besides 

 these there are several boat-passages, and at high water a boat may 

 pass over the reef without difficulty, if there is no swell. 



The mouth of the Wailevu River is visible from the anchorage. 

 The deposit of sand is very great, and shifts frequently: a large quan- 

 tity of water flows out of it. The town of Rewa is situated 6 miles 

 up the river, from the anchorage ; it is a narrow stream, has a very 

 tortuous course, and is difficult even for a boat to navigate, on account 

 of the many sandbanks and bars that are in it; vessels drawing more 

 than 10 feet cannot enter. The water of the river is fresh, and may 

 be obtained in abundance : that which is found in a pool on the 

 Island of Nukulau, is bad and unwholesome. Supplies can be pro- 

 cured at Rewa,, but the same difficulties are liable to occur here as at 

 Ambau, — the kings and chiefs desire to make the most of the visit, 

 by compelling presents to be made to them. Rewa is a large town, 

 containing over 500 bouses ; it is built on the right bank of the 

 river. Its lanes, or streets, are very narrow ; on both sides they are 

 fenced in with tall bamboo reeds. The low situation of the town 

 causes it to be a perfect mud-hole, and it seems scarcely possible to 

 believe that human beings could long survive living in such filth. 



Rewa is the rival to Ambau ; the king holds the second rank 

 in political power. The people of Rewa are much more liberal and 

 kind to strangers than those of Ambau. 



Rewa is the residence also of the Wesley an missionaries ; they do 

 all in their power to assist visitors. As yet they have made but few 

 converts, though they are much esteemed by the natives. The popu- 

 lation of this part of the island, together with the independent tribes 

 on the river, amounts to 5000. The River Wailevu was ascended by 

 the boats of the Expedition up to Budd's Point, which place is the 

 limit of navigation. 



