On our approach to the river we were saluted with seven shots from a one-pounder gun, which had been taken on shore from the brig, while our men were drawn up on the beach to receive us with military honours, the natives themselves saluting us with numerous shots from their _lelahs_, and displaying several Dutch flags, which appeared to be of their own manufacture. The _Orang Kaya_ welcomed us to his house with many expressions of friendship, when we found that one-half of his dwelling, (a new and rather large building, similar to that of the Orang Kaya of Duryella), had been arranged for our reception, another house having been appropriated for the accommodation of our men. As the house of the Orang Kaya is usually the place where the chiefs assemble, we thought it most advisable to take up our quarters in a small building which had been occupied by the foreign traders, but was now empty. The population of Wadia is composed of Mohammedans, so that I did not perceive among the chiefs the same affection towards the Netherland's Government which those of the Christian islands displayed. On conversing with them concerning the non-fulfillment of the promise they made to M. Bik in 1824, to resort to Banda, I clearly discovered that the Macassar traders had done all in their power to make them fearful of us. These had made them believe that the sole object of our Government consisted in increasing their revenue from imposts, and many similar absurdities, which it cost me considerable difficulty to drive from their minds. They also asserted, that owing to the small amount of the population they dared not leave their villages for a lengthened period, unless the Netherlands' Government should have a post upon the Arru Islands. This request for a Dutch Resident or Postholder, with a small garrison, was made to me on all the islands, and the people appeared to be well aware that it would contribute greatly to maintaining order among them, and increasing their prosperity. Christians, Mahommedans and Arafuras, all perfectly agreed in this particular. The creek on which this village is situated, runs right through the island. Both banks are low and marshy, and the depth of water in it is very small; indeed, many parts are quite dry at low water. It is abundantly stocked with fish, which, in fact, is the case everywhere among the group. Live stock, on the other hand, is very scarce: pigs are only kept by the Arafuras, the Mohammedans contenting themselves with goats and fowls, which last are to be purchased at the rate of a rupee each. With the exception of these there are no tame stock on the islands. Wild hogs are abundant, but they are rarely hunted by the natives.