V I T I GROUP. 



195 



in length, and the distance between the shore and sea-reef is 3 miles. 

 On its eastern side it is much blocked up with shoals and patches, 

 particularly off the town of Tabooa. 



Raki-raki Island and shoals, which are situated to the east of 

 Anufe Point, nearly close the passage between that point and the Loa 

 Reef, which lies off the coast ; it is difficult to get through unless with 

 a favorable tide, as a vessel will meet a contrary wind, which pre- 

 vails all the way up to the Annan Islands and through Malaki Bay. 

 Opposite Anufe Point is the Raki-raki Passage, leading north-north- 

 west between the coral reefs ; it is about two miles in length, and one 

 mile wide. A vessel may pass through without difficulty, either way, 

 with the prevailing w y ind. It is a good passage to enter the Sea of 

 Viti, and sufficiently to windward for a vessel to sail directly for 

 Vanua Levu, and to reach 'Mbua Bay by daylight. 



Anufe Point is low and well w r ooded. There is no shore-reef on the 

 east side of the point, but it extends some distance from it, and in- 

 cludes Ika Isle. To the west there are large patches of coral, which 

 make the passage intricate, especially when beating up. Easterly 

 winds will be found to prevail here almost constantly when the 

 weather is fine. 



Four and a half miles distant from Raki-raki Island is Tuki 

 Islet, which is a mile in diameter ; it lies half way between the sea- 

 shore and reef. The reef which surrounds it nearly joins the shore- 

 reef on the south. A mile beyond is Tub Islet ; the Malaki Passage 

 through the sea-reefs bears northeast from it. This passage is three 

 and a half miles long, and from three-quarters to half a mile wide ; its 

 narrowest point being at its outer entrance. When Tub Islet is 

 brought to bear southwest, the passage will be open, and by steering 

 for it, the course will lead through clear of the reefs on either side. 

 It is a good passage, but too narrow to beat out of, and ought not to be 

 attempted when the wind is scant. 



The Island of Malaki is high ; it is situated in the bay of the same 

 name, which extends from Tub Islet to Monersah Point. It is of 

 triangular form ; its sides are two miles in length. It was formerly 

 well inhabited, but has been entirely laid waste by the Ambau 

 people, who killed the men, while the women were taken into capti- 

 vity. It still bears the appearance of having undergone devastation. 

 This bay affords good anchorage ; it is well protected from the swell 

 by the sea-reef, which is li miles in width. On the north, near to 



