MR. HEATH’S DISTRICT, Manono, and West end of Upolu.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 1, 1 March 1845, Page 3

MR. HEATH’S DISTRICT, Manono, and West end of Upolu.

My present district, which, by the location of newly arrived brethren, has been reduced to one fourth, or one fifth of its original extent, contains a population of about 2,500, and has nine congregations. The largest congregation is one of the two at Falelatai, Upolu, which varies from five to eight hundred. Although our numbers on Manono would make one large congregation, and for so small an island as Manono one in a central spot might do, we have three chapels, and hence no very large congregation at any. During my two years absence on my voyages to and from and stay often months in, England, the brethren on Upolu have kindly visited in succession both Manono and the Upolu district, and it would afford both interest and amusement to give extracts from the memoranda left of their visits: but, as no very important facts are recorded, it would be occupying room which will be better devoted to other purposes. While there have not occurred very many baptisms or admissions to the Church, it is gratifying to me, and demands my gratitude to God, that but few acts of Church discipline have occurred. I said that no very important facts are recorded, but there is one very interesting exception. In another article will be found a statement of facts relative to a recent quarrel, and war botween two districts on Savaii. Now Manono, although only about 5 miles in extent, has from time beyond memory exerted, and does still exert, a very powerful political and moral influence over the whole groupe. On the breaking out of this war, she took the position of a peace maker, and has exerted all her influence to prevent the spreading of the war, and to bring it to a termination.

Nor must I omit to mention the cordial, the enthusiastic reception they gave me on my return home. Be-

sides the universal shaking of hands and hearty greetings, intermingled with thanksgiving to God, almost every individual on the Island, of 6 or 7 years of age, and upwards, came on successive days in parties, walking in single files, and brought some present or other: some fowls, some fish, most of them yams, and several of the little children, stalks of sugar cane. The first select friday meeting, and the first Sabbath, were very interesting days. Speeches and prayers were full of thankfulness to “Le faafofoga-tatalo,” the hearer of prayer ; and three large congregations in succession listened, with the closest attention, and the brightest eyes, to the tale of our voyage, and visit to England. Indeed before my arrival at Manono, no small demonstration had been made, in which the chiefs and people of my district on Upolu also concurred, by hastening to Apia with their canoes bearing presents to Cap. Morgan for the vessel and myself; and by the songs of the paddlers celebrating my safe return, the arrival of the vessel, the proposed voyage to Tana, &c. Manono, Feb. 1845. T. HEATH.