We left Sydney by the Dutch steamer _William M'Kinnon_, on September
20th, 1877, for Somerset. The sail inside the Barrier Reef is most
enjoyable. The numerous islands passed, and the varied coast scenery
make the voyage a very pleasant one--especially with such men as our
captain and mates. On Sunday, the 30th, we reached Somerset, where we
were met by the _Bertha_, with Mr. McFarlane on board of her. Mr.
McFarlane was soon on board of the steamer to welcome us, and remained
with us till the evening. There was very little of the Sabbath observed
that day--all was bustle and confusion. Quite a number of the
pearl-shelling boats were at Somerset awaiting the arrival of the
steamer, and the masters of these boats were soon on and around the
steamer receiving their goods.

On Tuesday, October 2nd, we left Somerset in the _Bertha_, for Murray
Island, anchoring that night off Albany. On Wednesday night, we anchored
off a sandbank, and on Thursday, off a miserable-looking island, called
Village Island. On Friday, we came to York Island, where we went ashore
and saw only four natives--one man and three boys. At eleven p.m. on
Saturday, we anchored at Darnley Island. This is a fine island, and more
suitable for vessels and landing goods than Murray, but supposed to be
not so healthy. The island is about five hundred feet in height, in some
parts thickly wooded, in others bare. It was here the natives cut off a
boat's crew about thirty years ago, for which they suffered--the captain
landing with part of his crew, well-armed, killing many and chasing them
right round the island. They never again attempted anything of the kind.
As a native of the island expressed himself on the subject:--"White
fellow, he too much make fright, man he all run away, no want see white
fellow gun no more." In 1871, the first teachers were landed here.