208 VISIT OF ADMIRAL MORESBY* 
so favourable an opportunity pass without 
improving it. He explained to them, very 
clearly and forcibly, the necessity of an 
ordained clergyman being established among 
them, and the disabilities their children 
laboured under until such an event took 
place. They listened with breathless atten- 
tion to the paternal advice of the admiral, 
and most readily acquiesced in all his expan- 
sive views of the subjects most vitally con- 
nected with their welfare. But still they 
evinced a backwardness in agreeing to part 
with their teacher. The admiral, on per- 
ceiving this, kindly told them he would give 
them till eleven o'clock to come to a decision, 
and that he would not retire till that period. 
" During their debate one of them came to 
inquire of the admiral, whether Mr. Holman 
would teach the public school. The admiral 
replied, ' Certainly.' On this the man went 
away; and at eleven o'clock, as no answer 
had arrived, the admiral went to bed. About 
twelve o'clock word was brought, that the 
community had agreed to let their teacher 
go, which was duly reported next morning to 
the admiral, who remarked that they had done 
