"Given on board Her Majesty's ship _Nelson_, at the harbour of Port
Moresby, on the 6th day of November, 1884."

The die has thus been cast. Already rumours that seem to have some
foundation are in the air that the protectorate is soon to become
annexation. It should be the aim of all to see that, by the force of
public opinion, the last portion of the heathen world that has come under
English protection shall have, as the years pass, many and solid reasons
for thanking God that He has so guided its destinies as to unite them to
our great Empire.




CHAPTER I. EARLY EXPERIENCES.


Somerset--Murray Island--Darnley Island--Boera--Moresby--Trip
inland--Sunday at Port Moresby--Native funeral ceremonies--Tupuselei--Round
Head--Native salutations--Kerepunu--Teste Island--Hoop-iron as an article
of commerce--Two teachers landed--A tabooed place--Moresby and Basilisk
Islands--South Cape--House building--Difficulties with the natives--An
anxious moment--Thefts--Dancing and cooking--Visit to a native
village--Native shot on the Mayri--Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers in
danger--Arrival of the _Ellengowan_.

Towards the close of 1877, Mr. Chalmers and Mr. McFarlane visited New
Guinea for the purpose of exploring the coast, landing native teachers at
suitable spots, and thus opening the way for future missionary effort.
What follows is given in Mr. Chalmers's words:--