254 The Triumphs of the Gospel in Fiji. 
dwelt, while one has passed away to his reward by the path 
of martyrdom. 
3. SOMO SOMO. 
Somo Somo is a town of much importance in the island 
of Taviuni, and was a centre of authority during the old 
times. The chiefs of Somo Somo exercised great power 
over large tracts of country. At the time of the introduc- 
tion of Christianity, the people of Somo Somo were noted, 
even among their heathen neighbours, for their merciless 
traits of character. Heathenism assumed a viler form there, 
if possible, than on any other part of Fiji. The entrance of 
the Gospel into this dark, benighted spot, took place in this 
way. About two years after the arrival of missionaries at 
Lakemba, the king of Somo Somo, Tui Thakow, visited 
Lakemba with his two sons and a large company of followers. 
When at the latter place they inspected the mission station, 
and professed to be struck with admiration and astonish- 
ment as they viewed the iron tools and utensils brought 
from England. Seeing that the Lakemba people were able 
to procure hatchets, knives, iron cooking pots, nails, and 
other things from the missionaries, the wily chief pleaded 
hard for a missionary likewise, hoping thereby to secure the 
supplies he so much coveted. In words something like 
the following, Tui Thakow urged this upon Messrs. Cross 
and Cargill : — The chief of Lakemba is not very powerful ; 
his people are very poor and few. If you come to us we 
will allow our children to be taught to read, and we will 
listen to your doctrine." The young sons of the king also 
urged the request very strongly, engaging to protect and 
honour all who should be sent to them. The missionaries 
deemed it their duty to embrace such an opportunity, what- 
ever the ruling motive on the part of the king, for inviting 
