He came down to welcome us, and extended his hospitality to me as long as I chose to stay. I was not sorry to accept it, and I made his residence the basis of my operations. He has been here for many years, and is well known and very much liked by the natives. He does a very extensive business there in copra (the dried coconut), &c., and deals very kindly, liberally, and most honourably with the people. He has very nice premises there, and a large establishment. He got us refreshments served as soon as we arrived, and after resting for a time he went with me to the village of the great man of those parts “An̈ga,” or as the Traders call him, “anchor.” I knew him formerly as a very large and powerful man, but long sickness has reduced him to a terrible and pitiable state of weakness and leanness. He asked me to come and settle in those parts and start a school for his people. The natives there are very numerous and extremely amiable, and I feel sure a great deal might be done if I could see my way to settling there. A fine young fellow, his son, was very friendly, and also asked me to come and teach them. I said I would see what I could do if they would spare me some boys to go to Norfolk Island to be taught. This they said they would do, as they were tired of the Labour ships. We got back, and Mr. Wilber indulged us in a most sumptuous repast. The boys, my boat’s crew, being tired, we had Prayers early, and they retired for the night in very comfortable quarters provided for them. We, Mr. Wilber, another white man and myself, sat talking till far on into the night, and when I retired it was to the ample recesses of a large four poster, with sheets and other delights and comforts of civilization. I felt I had turned my host out of his bed, but he would insist on my sleeping where he had put me, and I acquiesced. The next morning, Wednesday, 29th September, it was very hot and calm, and I determined not to start till the afternoon. After a sumptuous lunch I went to another great man’s village, and received a warm welcome. There they told me that they would build me a schoolhouse and give me boys, and would sell their land to no one else if I would come there and occupy it. Altogether the cry from Macedonia to come over and help them was very cheering, and I must try what I can do for them.
At the end of this period of my work, it is pleasant and thankworthy to find the Morian’s land stretching out her hands unto God. We started soon after I got back for “home,” and had a long, toilsome journey up. However, the boat’s crew were very plucky and merry, and didn’t seem much to mind as the boat’s head was towards Tavolavola. I myself was very seasick in the smooth water, and very soon was in the shivering fit of the ague. I made as good a bed as possible in the boat, and lay down till I got here. On arrival I found Mr. Brittain and party here, and felt sorry for him that I was such a sorry host. I certainly felt cheered by his society, and we sat quite late talking about matters of mutual interest.
Thursday, September 30th.—After a night of fever and strong perspiration I got up this morning feeling fairly refreshed, and a good deal better, but weak and not fit for much. Mr. Brittain and his party went to Lobaha by boat, but I stayed at home to rest. In the afternoon we walked up to M. Moussu’s place, and he showed us with great pride his garden and poultry yard, and all the other many things which his ingenuity devised, and his cunning hand has fashioned. He gave a splendid quantity of green food, which we afterwards enjoyed for dinner. Prayers concluded the public part of the day, and Mr. B. and myself sat till late talking here in the quiet of a most pacific and mild evening.
Friday, October 1st.—Fine day. After our morning duties here were over, Mr. Brittain and I went up to Tahimamavi, and stayed some time with the kind-hearted people.
Before leaving, Mr. Brittain bought a number of native Opa mats, which are much treasured at his station at Araga. The Opa people are great hands at mat weaving, and are possessors of a greater quantity and variety than any natives I know. Since the introduction of European calico the manufacture has somewhat diminished. However, when it comes to getting so much tobacco, a great many still turn up, and for the labour it must be to make them, the price is perhaps inadequate except they get all they ask.
We came home in the very hot sun, and Mr. Brittain sat down to dinner alone, I myself being too sick to join him. All the evening I was fit for nothing, and lay down all the time. I did not get up for church, and only finally left my bed to go back to it again for the night. I felt miserably shabby in my position as host to treat my guest so, but I could not help it.
Saturday, October 2nd.—Dull threatening morning and squally. Mr. Brittain and party decided to go although we tried to detain them. The day, however, cleared, and as they did not return we concluded that they had stood across for Maewo. I was feeling weak and miserable when the kind little Frenchman, M. Moussu, appeared to take me away to have lunch with him. I had agreed to partake of his hospitality on this day, but had quite forgotten all about it. However, my seediness was excuse enough for my forgetfulness, and here he was with his boat to take me off. He is a first rate cook, and treated me to such a display of luxuries as I have never before seen in these parts. The choicest soup, &c., &c., and later on in the feast a most excellent dish of beche de mer. This I liked very much, and should fancy it was very nourishing. He complained of my want of appetite, and J. was sorry I had not more when so many good things were there to be eaten. He brought me back again in his boat, and I felt pretty well all the evening. We had Prayers, and singing practice afterwards, preparatory to Sunday. The evening was fine, and I trust Mr. Brittain and party are well on their homeward way. I wished him to stay till Monday, but he was anxious to get back for Sunday.
Sunday, October 3rd.—Last night I fancied A. P. Huqe was at the point of death. To-day I felt very ill myself, and have been fit for very little all day. I managed to get through my Sunday duties here, however, and Charles, Mera, and some others went to Tahimamavi, where they had the usual school. I feel very comforted at the earnest manner with which these good people are stretching out their hands at last unto God. I pray that His Spirit may descend upon them in ample measure, that they may continue as earnest to the end as they have now begun to be. I trust, too, the zeal and perseverance of the boys may keep up, so that the teaching may be regularly carried on, and the Word of God become a savour of life unto life.
At present they are very earnest and even indefatigable, but I am somewhat afraid lest white supervision may have something to do with this, and when I am away the present enthusiasm may die down, and things be allowed to go on as they were before.
Would to God I had a few more teachers like Charles Tariqatu, a man in whom truly the Spirit of God is, the most earnest, humble, patient, God-fearing, Gospel-loving youth Opa has ever known. I can only commit the matter to God, and He will provide as seemeth Him best.