Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/483

 VrWA iLND MBAU. 449 light into the darkness of those smitten ones : for the rest, such a sor- row is too sacred to be exposed here.* About twenty miles from Viwa, and within the Viwa circuit, is a very important island called Ovalau. Its central position, with a good harbour and anchorage, has made it the chief resort of such ships as visit the group. The principal entrance is on the east, opposite Levuka, the chief town, and the residence of those foreigners who have, from time to time, stayed in Fiji. These men lived with native women, built boats, made chests, planted food, and traded with the natives for biche- de-mar, turtle shell, coaconut oil, and arrow-root, which they sold for articles of barter to vessels principally from America. Several of them chartered their small schooners, and hired themselves to these trading vessels. In May, 1839, Messrs. Cargill and Calvert anchored off Le- vuka, having been driven there in one of these boats, which they char- tered to visit Ono and Rewa. While wind-bound for a fortnight, they weie kindly received by the whites, and preached to them on the Sab- bath. In 1840, a piece of ground was purchased of the King of Levuka, and given to the Wesleyan Missionary Society, by Mr. R. Russell Wal- dren, Purser of the United States Exploring Expedition. The number of resident foreigners having increased, to whom forty women belongpd, with many half-caste children, they applied for Native Teachers to reside among them. Mr. Cross took two Teachers in September, 1841, who were kindly received, and to whom the whites gave up a house for their residence, and another to be used for school and preaching. Mr. Ci-oss's health did not allow him to visit this large and populous island, as he desired. Mr. Hunt, on his arrival at Viwa in 1842, felt it his duty to pay special attention to the whites, who were also disposed to receive instruction, and alter their manner of life. He frequently visited Ova- lau, and preached in the English language. These foreigners now began to observe the Christian Sabbath, and to wear much better clothes ; and some who had been accustomed to go barefoot, procured shoes. Sev- eral of them selected one of their women, to whom they were married ; and, in some cases, proved faithful to the bond. They were indus- trious ; and, at that time, ships had not tempted them by bringing larger supplies of spirits. There were several partnerships in small decked sailing boats, in which they sailed about to most parts of Fiji to purchase turtle-shell and other articles. These boats were very useful for the procuring of pigs and vegetables for their owners, as these arti*
 * FUmerfrom Feejee. Mason.