’The Norfolk Island people, two or three only, have been here at evening service, and are extremely struck with the reverence of the Melanesians.

’I work away with my Confirmation class, liking them personally, but finding no indication of their having been taught to think in the least.  It is a relief to get back to the Melanesians.’

The visit of the Bishop of New Zealand which had been hoped for, had been prevented by the invitation to attend the Synod of the Church held at Lambeth, in the autumn of 1867, and instead of himself welcoming his friends, Bishop Patteson was picturing them to himself staying with his sisters at Torquay, and joining in the Consecration Services of the Church of All Saints, at Babbicombe, where the altar stood, fragrant with the sandal wood of the Pacific isles.  The letters sent off by an opportunity in November were to family and friends, both in England.  The one to his sister Joanna narrates one of those incidents that touched the Bishop most deeply:—­

’On Friday last we had such a very, very solemn service in our little Chapel.  Walter Hotaswol, from Matlavo Island, is dying—­he has long been dying, I may say—­of consumption.  For two winters past he has remained with us rather than in his own island, as he well knew that without good food and care he would sink at once.  Years ago he was baptized, and after much time spent in preparation, Tuesday, at 7.30 A.M., was the day when we met in Chapel.  Walter leant back in a chair.  The whole service was in the Mota language, and I administered the Holy Communion to eleven of our Melanesian scholars, and last of all to him.  Three others I trust I may receive to Holy Communion Sunday next.  Is not this a blessed thing?  I think of it with thankfulness and fear.  My old text comes into my mind—­“Your heart shall fear and be enlarged.”  I think there is good hope that I may baptize soon seven or eight catechumens.’

The letter to Bishop Selwyn despatched by the same vessel on November 16, gives the first hint of that ‘labour traffic’ which soon became the chief obstacle to the Mission.

After describing an interview with an American captain, he continues:—­’Reports are rife of a semi-legalised slave-trading between the South Sea Islands and New Caledonia and the white settlers in Fiji.  I have made a little move in the matter.  I wrote to a Wesleyan Missionary in Fiji (Ovalau) who sent me some books.  I am told that Government sanctions natives being brought upon agreement to work for pay, &c., and passage home in two years.  We know the impossibility of making contracts with New Hebrides or Solomon natives.  It is a mere sham, an evasion of some law, passed, I dare say, without any dishonourable intention, to procure colonial labour.  If necessary I will go to Fiji or anywhere to obtain information.  But I saw a letter in a Sydney paper which spoke strongly and properly of the necessity of the most stringent rules to prevent the white settlers from injuring the coloured men.’