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approved by him; it was also mentioned to several of 
the leading chiefs^ by whom it was favourably received. 
Alina told me that the king one day said to him^ Anna, 
do you think you could collect five bamboo canes of 
oil in a year?’’ He answered^Yes 5 and the king said. 
Do you think you could appropriate so much towards 
sending the word of God to the heathens?” Again he 
answered in the affirmative 3 and the king again said, 
Do you think those that value the gospel would think 
it a great labour to collect so much yearly for this pur¬ 
pose ?” Auna answered, that he did not think they 
would. ^^Then,” said the king, think about it, and 
perhaps we can have a combination, or society, for this 
purpose.” The king found several chiefs favourably 
disposed; the Missionaries also proposed it to others; 
and, as it met with general approbation, the approach¬ 
ing month of May was appointed for the formation of 
the association. 
Mr. Nott came over to Afareaitu for the purpose 
completing the plan. On the 23d of April, in the 
same year, Messrs. Nott, Davies, Orsmond, and myself, 
held a meeting with the king, at our house; when the 
principles upon which the society should be formed, 
and the rules by which it was proposed to regulate 
its proceedings, were considered, and, on the following 
day, finally adjusted. 
The 13th of May, 1818, being the anniversary of the 
parent institution in England, was fixed for the establish¬ 
ment and organization of the native society. The king 
and chiefs met at Papetoae, and it was a delightful and 
interesting day to all who were present. 
At sunrise we held a prayer-meeting in the English 
language. The natives held one among themselves at 
