The Hervey group was next visited by my esteemed colleague, Mr. Bourne, who was much delighted with the great progress that had been made at all the islands. He opened several places of worship, and baptized a great number of the natives.
Our friend, the chief of Atiu, had performed all that he promised; and, having completed the chapel, he was employed in erecting for himself a plastered house, seventy-three feet in length, and thirty in breadth. Just before Mr. Bourne's arrival, the captain of an English whaler, which had been at the island, left the following written testimony to the kind attention he had received from the inhabitants :—
“I visited this island for the purpose of obtaining refreshments; and although, in some measure, prepared to expect civility, their excessive kindness exceeded my utmost expectations. They appear a mild and inoffensive people, and have no warlike instruments among them. We remained here on Sunday, and never, in any country, saw such attention paid to the Sabbath.”
In reference to Aitutaki, Mr. Bourne says—
“They have built a coral pier, six hundred feet in length, and eighteen feet in breadth. The number of plastered houses in the settlement is one hundred and forty-four, in many of which are bedsteads and sofas. The female teachers have taught the women to make good bonnets. They are diligent in learning, and numbers can read. Family and private prayer is very general.[…]
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