Journal of Residence in the New Hebrides, S.W. Pacific OceanBice, C. (Charles)
History
Journal of Residence in the New Hebrides, S.W. Pacific Ocean
Bice, C. (Charles)
Missions -- Vanuatu
He built the school himself and keeps it in most extraordinary order. In
many cases he has acted as a deterrent on his countrymen, when they have
proposed some heathen act which he has not thought to be within the
bounds of strict rectitude, and I believe he tries to lead a good life
as far as he knows. As far as morality goes, I do not think anyone would
venture to bring an accusation against him. I have always intended to
Baptize him, and perhaps this year I may put my intentions into effect.
Leaving “Uta” we still marched on in single file, till we reached the
brow of the cliff down which, of necessity, we had to descend, Tasmouri
being on the other side of the island to windward. A striking and broad
prospect greeted us from the hill top, and we saw besides Meralava and
the wide expanse of ocean before us, the grand fertile plain belonging
to the Tasmouri district, and the church and school visible in the far
distance. At the foot of the steep cliff our way lay through the
beautifully irrigated taro beds, and of course I had to pick my way to
prevent being buried in mud. Leaving the gardens, we had a grand stretch
of level country before us, and before long we came upon a merry party
of Tasmouri people awaiting our arrival, some distance from their
village. Being tired and hungry I pushed on ahead with some of the boys,
and enjoyed a refreshing bathe and change of garments. Then came what I
suppose I must dignify by the name of dinner, mostly native food, but
eaten with the best sauce was as good as the best Lord Mayor’s feast,
and I dare say as digestible. The Bishop’s kind present was most useful,
and the canteen contained every article requisite for out of the way
travellers. After the meal the people came home, and before long we had
Evensong. I was quite surprised at the heartiness of the responses, the
fluency of the reading, and the general brightness of the singing and
service.
The women sang out lustily with a good courage, and although a trifle
slow the result was pleasing on the whole. With a little teaching the
singing and service will be very nice. I find I have Baptized forty-six
people here, two of whom have died, two have gone away in a labour
vessel, and forty-two still remain. They are a very nice, genuine,
exemplary community, and Samuel has kept them well together. They seem
to me beyond the Tanrigese in point of mental ability, and readily take
in fresh ideas. One or two of the young men are very superior fellows.
This evening I felt the warmth of this place, by comparison with Tanrig,
and for the first time for the year I have slept without any kind of
covering. The reed bed I found somewhat hard, but one cannot expect
everything, and is content with such things as one has. The condition of
the people morally, socially and spiritually, simply reconcile one to
any amount of bodily inconvenience. I can thank God and take courage.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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