All have gone hunting to-day--men, women, and children, pigs
and dogs. Before leaving, they told us if we saw any one sneaking about,
we were to be sure to shoot them; but if they came up openly to us, and
pointed to the nose and stomach, they were friends, and had come for salt
and tobacco. We get our water in canvas bags, and teachers or
missionaries coming inland will require a set of water-bags made from the
very best canvas.
11_th_.--A number of natives have gone to Port Moresby, to help Rua and
Maka with tomahawks, salt, &c. After they left, we went to the bush, and
cut down a number of trees for posts for a house. The chief, Poroko, has
given us land, at an elevation of 1260 feet; splendid view all round; and
if not healthy, I know not where to go, unless it be to the top of Mount
Owen Stanley. There will be plenty of room for taro, sugar-cane, and
coffee plantations. A woman often passes us with a frightful load of
taro and sugar-cane on her back, and on the top of all an infant in a net
basket.
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