CAPTAIN CHOKERS ATTACK ON BE A. 
187 
The wearing of this native cloth, and, consequently, 
the manufacture of it, are ordered to he discontinued 
in three years’ time, after which period calico is to be 
worn. This mandate has been given in the hope of 
developing the cultivation of cotton, and by so doing 
enriching the islands ; but probably it will be diffi- 
cult to induce the natives to give up their old usages 
and customs. 
Before leaving I had an opportunity of visiting 
the native church, which is prettily situated on the 
top of the highest hill. It is a neat-looking building, 
consisting of a nave and two aisles : the frame-work 
of the roof is cocoa-nut tree, supported on columns 
of hard wood, and thatched with palm leaves. 
About a dozen windows on each side light the build- 
ing. Benches are provided to seat about eight 
hundred. There is a fine pulpit, and a good-sized 
organ, which was well played by cne of the natives. 
The sermon was preached by a Tongan, and the 
singing was very good. 
Public schools are giving most satisfactory results, 
and a large proportion of the rising generation can 
both read and write. 
Near the church door is a monumental stone, 
which has recently been erected to the memory of 
Captain Croker, R.N., of H.M.S. Favourite , who 
was killed by the natives in an attack on Bea, in 
June 1840. Its history, as told in the school-books 
here, is that “ the natives of Bea continuing theii 
