Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/385

 EEWA. 355 Mbau, and who were followed by Mara, the vasu to Lakemha. These Chiefs secured the alliance of the two important towns of Kamba and Thautata, and several smaller towns, all very near to Mbau, against which the tide of victory was strongly turned. Thakombau had also involved himself in difficulties by the purchase of two foreign vessels, to pay for which he had to levy a tribute, which his people refused to bring. His ammunition stores, also, had got very low, and a magazine of powder was lost by the revolt of Kamba. The sails of his large schooner were taken, whereby she was disabled when most needed. His fast sailing canoe and his stock of pigs were lost at the same time. The whites, too, had become his enemies, and Thakombau was worn down and humbled. In Kamba were several of Thakombau's Tongan carpenters, who were removed to Rewa. These were Christians, and had been joined by a number of Fijians. This fact, and the present stability of affairs at Rewa, made the Missionaries once more bestir themselves to re-oc- cupy the Station. They were the more anxious to do this, that they might gain safe access to the island of Kandavu, which was re-opened to their labours. A deputation went from the District Meeting, held at Viwa, August, 1854, to inform the Rewa Chiefs that the Missionaries were disposed to resume their work, according to a promise they had given on leaving. Ratu Nggara kindly and readily gave up a large and good house, built for the accommodation of strangers, as a residence for the Missionary. Mr. Moore was appointed to Rewa, where he arrived from Mbau early in September. He found that the Romish Priest had made but small progress, his followers being very few, and of a ques- tionable kind, having at their head the man who had so traitorously sold Rewa to Mbau when it was first destroyed. But the difficulty of the Mission was increased by the presence of this new element of opposition. In order that Mr. Moore's labours might be extended, he was provided with a light boat, suitable for the river, and that could be rowed well by two men. It was hoped that a free intercourse would be kept up between the Missionaries at Viwa and Mr. Moore ; but the journey was found dangerous. Mr. Moore and Mr. Lyth, when passing Kamba, were chased by canoes, and fired at by about twenty muskets, the Kambans mistaking their boat for a small canoe from Mbau, for which they were lying in wait. It was thought better that the new Mission Station should be on the same side of the river as the town ; and the King kindly offered ground for the purpose, on a higher level, where there would be no danger of suffering again from a flood. An American Consul, having returned