TUBUAI. 387 
chieftains might be seen sitting side by side, and 
listening to the gospel of peace. 
Mr. Nott was unexpectedly detained several 
weeks at Tubuai; during this time he made the 
tour of the island, conversed with the people, and 
preached on every favourable occasion that occur- 
red. The Queen Charlotte at length arrived; 
when, having introduced the native teachers to 
the chiefs and people, and recommended them to 
their protection, he bade them farewell, and pro- 
secuted his voyage to High Island. The chiefs 
had desired that one teacher might be left with each ; 
and, in order to meet their wishes, two, Hapunia 
and Samuela, from the church at Papeete, were 
stationed by Mr. Nott in this island, one with each 
of the chiefs. The native Missionaries found the 
productions. of Tubuai less various and abundant 
than those of Tahiti and the adjacent islands. 
The habits of the natives were remarkably indo- 
lent, and inimical to health, especially the practice 
of dressing their bread-fruit, &c. only once in five 
days. Against this the teachers invariably remon- 
- strated, and presented to them, also, a better ex- 
ample, by cooking for themselves fresh food every 
day. Since that time, a distressing epidemic has, 
in common with most of the islands, prevailed in 
Tubuai, and has swept off many of the people. 
i Nevertheless, the native teachers continue their 
labours, and the condition of the people is im- 
proved. In February, 1826, when Mr. Davies 
visited them, the profession of Christianity was 
general ; thirty-eight adults and four children were 
baptized. The chiefs and people were assisting 
the teachers in building comfortable dwellings, 
and erecting a neat and substantial house for 
public worship. | | 
22 
