The
first station occupied was Darnley Island, and Mr. Murray gives an
incident that well illustrates the spirit in which these men, themselves
trophies of missionary success, entered upon their work. Speaking about
another island, the natives, in the hope of intimidating the teachers,
said, "There are alligators there, and snakes, and centipedes." "Hold,"
said the teacher, "are there men there?" "Oh yes," was the reply, "there
are men; but they are such dreadful savages that it is no use your
thinking of living among them." "That will do," replied the teacher.
"Wherever there are men, missionaries are bound to go." Teachers were
stationed at the islands of Tauan and Sabaii. Later on, Yule Island and
Redscar Bay were visited, and the missionaries returned to Lifu.
In 1872, Mr. Murray returned in the _John Williams_ with thirteen
additional teachers, and for the next two years superintended the mission
from Cape York. In 1874, he was joined by the Revs. S. McFarlane and W.
G. Lawes--who have both ever since that time laboured hard and
successfully on behalf of the natives--and the steamer _Ellengowan_ was
placed at the service of the mission by the liberality of the late Miss
Baxter, of Dundee.
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