V I T I GROUP. 



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with reefs, a considerable curve to the eastward. It is necessary 

 when vessels are passing it to give it a good berth. Rambe has but 

 little space susceptible of cultivation. 



KEA ISLAND. 



The shore of Vanua Levu from Vava Point trends south-by-west 10 

 miles, to Rocky Point. The Island of Kea lies in front of Mataponi 

 Bay; it is 9 miles in circumference, has a high ridge, which runs 

 through its centre northeast and southwest, and affords several good 

 harbors, — a very safe one, Port Safety, at its northern end. The sea 

 between it and Rambe is very much obstructed by coral patches ; as 

 these extend from the Rambe side, it is necessary to avoid approach- 

 ing that island, and in passing through between Rambe and Vanua 

 Levu a course should be steered for Kea Island, which will lead clear 

 of the patches and foul ground ; no attempt should be made to haul 

 out into the Straits of Somu-somu until well up with Kea Island, when 

 these dangerous shoals will be passed. 



Kea Island forms the protection to Mataponi Bay ; it lies directly 

 before its mouth. This bay is 3 miles in depth by 2i wide : its shape 

 is that of a large segment. The west point of Kea terminates in a long 

 and narrow tongue, which points directly into this bay ; it is three- 

 quarters of a mile distant from Mela-mela Point, the south point of 

 Mataponi Bay. On the north and west side of the bay, the village of 

 Mataponi is situated, just within Rocky Point, the north point of the 

 bay. The passage between Kea Island and Vanua Levu is safe for 

 vessels. There are two small reefs lying to the eastward of Mela-mela 

 Point, 2 miles distant from it, which may be avoided by keeping near 

 either shore ; the best passage is on the Kea side. The anchorage in 

 Mataponi Bay is in deep water, from 21 to 30 fathoms, blue mud 

 bottom ; that abreast of the village of Mataponi is to be preferred ; 

 but the bay affords little to induce a vessel to enter, as it is sur- 

 rounded by high land, and has but the one village. The natives are 

 few in number, and supplies in consequence scarce and difficult to be 

 obtained. 



Port Safety lies at the northeast end of Kea Island ; it is a deep in- 

 dentation, formed by a neck of land 2 miles in length by half a mile 

 in width, which bounds it on its northern side, leaving a bay, 14 

 miles in depth, and nearly three-quarters of a mile in width. The 



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