The neatness of his house and surroundings too, ought to have a good effect. The fine day turned into a most dirty, rough, unpleasant evening, and we went to Prayers in a perfect downpour of rain. After Church there were great searchings of heart among the elders, and I publicly announced that I wanted the names of those who wished for Baptism. To the surprise of everybody, and to the delight of not a few, four women stood up and said almost simultaneously “Inew” (I). These quiet, demure creatures, generally so terribly afraid of the men, and always so shy in public, must have been influenced by a stronger Power than any they had hitherto known to make this public profession, and it produced no small sensation on all present. Two men also said they wished to be admitted to the Sacred Rite, and I hope they will soon be followed by many more. Charles Tariqatu’s influence here is great, and the fruits of his thorough and earnest teaching are beginning to be felt. He is so thorough and good himself, that his example and influence have all the more effect. There will be about twenty to be baptized on Sunday, the nucleus I trust, of a good Christian population hereafter. _Thursday, September 23rd._--A thoroughly wet and disagreeable day. Fortunately there was a great festivity here, and I was not left without something to do all day. I trust I did not spend quite an unprofitable time. I begin to see distinct light through my work here now, and I can see how the seed sown through long years is at last beginning to bear fruit. I am eminently satisfied with the work of the boys here, and I can see that Charles’s influence pervades everything. One man to-day, who never has taken much interest in our teaching, came to ask me if Martin Ta[¨n]abei might not come back from Norfolk Island, and live with him and his people as teacher. Another told me that my words to him of former years have quite changed the course of his life, and no doubt he is as different as possible to what he formerly was. I was under engagement to go to Tahimamavi, but when we were launching the boat the rain came down in such torrents that I reluctantly turned back. The evening was as bad as the day, and most uncomfortable it was in my leaking, cold house. We had Evensong with a good congregation, but a great gust of wind put out the principal lamp in the very middle of the service, and made it somewhat dismal.