Somerset--Murray Island--Darnley Island--Boera--Moresby--Trip inland--Sunday at Port Moresby--Native funeral ceremonies--Tupuselei--Round Head--Native salutations--Kerepunu--Teste Island--Hoop-iron as an article of commerce--Two teachers landed--A tabooed place--Moresby and Basilisk Islands--South Cape--House building--Difficulties with the natives--An anxious moment--Thefts--Dancing and cooking--Visit to a native village--Native shot on the Mayri--Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers in danger--Arrival of the _Ellengowan_. Towards the close of 1877, Mr. Chalmers and Mr. McFarlane visited New Guinea for the purpose of exploring the coast, landing native teachers at suitable spots, and thus opening the way for future missionary effort. What follows is given in Mr. Chalmers's words:-- We left Sydney by the Dutch steamer _William M'Kinnon_, on September 20th, 1877, for Somerset. The sail inside the Barrier Reef is most enjoyable. The numerous islands passed, and the varied coast scenery make the voyage a very pleasant one--especially with such men as our captain and mates. On Sunday, the 30th, we reached Somerset, where we were met by the _Bertha_, with Mr. McFarlane on board of her. Mr. McFarlane was soon on board of the steamer to welcome us, and remained with us till the evening. There was very little of the Sabbath observed that day--all was bustle and confusion. Quite a number of the pearl-shelling boats were at Somerset awaiting the arrival of the steamer, and the masters of these boats were soon on and around the steamer receiving their goods. On Tuesday, October 2nd, we left Somerset in the _Bertha_, for Murray Island, anchoring that night off Albany. On Wednesday night, we anchored off a sandbank, and on Thursday, off a miserable-looking island, called Village Island. On Friday, we came to York Island, where we went ashore and saw only four natives--one man and three boys. At eleven p.m. on Saturday, we anchored at Darnley Island. This is a fine island, and more suitable for vessels and landing goods than Murray, but supposed to be not so healthy. The island is about five hundred feet in height, in some parts thickly wooded, in others bare. It was here the natives cut off a boat's crew about thirty years ago, for which they suffered--the captain landing with part of his crew, well-armed, killing many and chasing them right round the island. They never again attempted anything of the kind. As a native of the island expressed himself on the subject:--"White fellow, he too much make fright, man he all run away, no want see white fellow gun no more." In 1871, the first teachers were landed here.