It seems that they are very badly off for uros (earthenware pots), and the native tribes along the coast to the west of them are crying out and blaming them for the scarcity.  They are certainly blaming the right party; but for Motumotu, the Pari, Vapukori, Port Moresby, Boliapata, and Boera trading canoes would all have been down the coast last season.  The principal man in the canoe, knowing that all, except our boatman, Bob Samoa, had friends at Motumotu, made friends with him, rubbing noses and handing his lime gourd, which is to be shown on arrival, and his father and friends will receive Bob as his friends.  They go on to Lolo in quest of uros.

We landed to cook food.  On awaking from a sleep, I was astonished to find a crowd of natives close by, and my friend the Kaveri chief, Arana, sitting near me.  Two boys, who were on the beach fishing, seeing us land, ran inland and reported, and he, with two of his wives carrying food, followed by men and women from the villages, came down.  His two wives are now busy cooking, and he is trying to persuade me to call on our return and get his present of sago and food.  I could not promise, and he seemed disappointed.

We left the Kaveri beach and pulled round Cape Possession, passing close in by Oiapu.  A heavy sea was rolling in, and a canoe putting off to us was swamped.  People running along the beach called on Piri and me by name to land and feast, but our crews were too frightened, and we went on.  When off Jokea, men, women, and children all came on to the beach, and also by name begged of us to land.  We would have done so here, but the sea was too high, breaking with great force on the fringing reef.  Several canoes put off, but only one succeeded in reaching us.  They begged of us to call on our return, and let them know the result of our visit, and said we had better also visit Lese.  They think our visit will put all straight.  Motumotu, they say, is very undecided as to what to do, but having heard that I was to visit them, put off the decision for some time, saying, “If he comes, it will be all right, and we shall have peace, but—­” Well, they did not know.  They rub noses all round, and make for the shore, we for the harbour at the mouth of Coombes River, but a very heavy sea running in, we prefer anchoring outside at midnight.

By five a.m. up anchor, and away to Lese.  Two Naima canoes returning from Lolo, where they had been trying to get uros, passed close to us.  They also are glad of the likelihood of peace and uros.  At seven, we got to Lese, and were met by an excited crowd, the majority armed.  We anchored a little out, and would allow no canoes alongside.  I called out for Eeka, and a very old man walked into the sea, when I went ashore and took him by the hand.  Piri and his wife followed, with part of the crew and the Boera and Port Moresby chiefs.  We were led to the village, the crowd increasing as we went