Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-01-04


two or three inhabitants
Name in general chart Orututu native
name Rorotonga. Lat. 81 IL % S. long.
l59 As % w. Remarks: This island can
be seen SO miles at sea, forming, as it is ap-
preached from the south, lin two peaks; there
are three harbors for vessels of from so to
~ tons burthen, but not very safe; ships
getting provisions had better not anchor on
coral patches recommended by the natives,
but remain off and on. Firewood ard stock
can be obtained in any quantity for trade
and money. Vessels can also get water,
which is rather difficult at any other island
Of this group There are three missionary
stations here. Harbors on the northwest,
southeast and west sides.
Name in general chart Whytootacke; ma
tive name Aitutaki. Lat ls 50 O6 S, long.
l59 a. w. Remarks: Aitutakl can be seen
in clear weather 40 miles; there is simply a
boat passage, with strong current invara-
bly, setting out. A market is established Tor
trading purposes, and registry kept of the
prices, so that no native can defraud. Boat
entrances on the north side There is mis-
sionary station here
GENERAL REMARKs.-A group Of islands
rather to be avoided in consequence of the
extreme difficulty of getting provisions and
water over the reef, and from the strong
currents preventing vessels keeping their po-
sition, the set being generally off Shore
Some ships have anchored for the night out
side the reef ON small patches; but from the
rocky nature Of the bottom have lost anch-
ors. In case of necessity the best island to
call at is Rorotonga.
AuSTpAI EpoTp in Uoppra1 chart
Ohetrioa; native name, Rurutu. Lat. D
p south, long Isl 20 Is west Remarks:
This island is high, and can be seen at
distance Of 40 miles. Landing place on the
northwest side. Stock is cheap, but very
poor place for water.
Name in general chart, Rimitera; native
name, Rimetara. Lat. % 80 south, long.
I52 46 west. Remarks: This island can be
seen at distance of 80 miles; it has no har-
Dor or landing place for boats. Canoes are
employed for few lathoms of cloth to obtain
what may be required, such as fowls, ducks,
pigs, vegetables; no watering place.
Name in general chart, Tookooai; native
name, Toubouai Lat @ 20 S., long I49|
80 w. Remarks: There is harbor at this
island, but should not be attempted without
pilot; sunken rocks abound. which, being
the color Of the water, it is difficult for a
stranger TO know their exact position. Stock
can be obtained, but at rather high prices
The French protectorate flag flies here.
Name in general chart, Varitao; native
name, Raivarai. Lat % 25 S., long, l47
As w. Remarks: This island is high and
can be seen at a distance of so miles; har-
Dor on the north west side; soundings run off
for q miles, rocky bottom; all kinds of
stock can be procured at very moderate
prices.
Name in general chart. Oparo; native
name, Rapa. Lat 81 36 35 S., long. IA
20 w. Remarks: Settlement on the north
east side; there is harbor here, but from
its position, with the usual trade winds, it is
difficult of egress. Vessels have been de-
tanned from six to seven weeks. Stock plen-
tiful and cheap
sF None Of the latitudes and longitudes
given above agree with those in the general
chart, but reliance may be placed on their
correctness from excellent observations
PALMERsroN's IsLANDs.-A group Of is
lands in lat. Is S., long. l63 10 w. Re-
marks: These islands possess no advantage
for ships calling; they arc mere isets, to be
seen from ships deck in clear weather only
IL miles. Partially inhabited.
Name in general Chart, Suwarroffs; real
name, Suwarrow's. Lat I3 Is S., lon. l63
II w. Remarks: A mere reef of a very
dangerous character; and, not being cor
rectly laid down in the general chart, great
care is requisite, and good lookout should
be kept to avoid running upon them. Igive
the correct latitude and longitude as by spec
ial observation.
SAMOAN, OR NAvIGAToRs.-Name in gen.
eral chart, Kordikof'; native name, Rose
Island Lat. IA 33 S., lon. 167 40 w. Re-
marks: Rose Island not inhabited.
Name in general chart, Opoun; native
name, Manua. Lat. IL Is S., lon. 169 D
w. Remarks: A high island with an IRON
bound coast, inhabited. No anchorage but
what is unsafe. Ships can obtain provisions
in short time by lying off and on.
Name in general chart. Maouna; native
name, Tutuila. Lat Ia lS S., lon. 10 80
w. Remarks: At this island there is safe
harbor (Pago Pago,) pronounced Pango
Pango. The usual trade wind is fair for en-
ering; the egress is far more difficult, and
must be attempted early in the morning, with
4 land breeze or westerly wind. In the cen
re Of the passage is rock, which is just
awash at high water, but on either side a
clear channel. Watering is easy, and stock
IAN be obtained by trading; wide blue and
white calico being most suitable.
Name in general chart, Oyolasa; native
,ame, Upola. Lat. l3 81 s., lon. III 40
w. Remarks: The finest island Of the
Navigators. There are two good harbors,
he principal being the residence ofthe Con-
'uls English and Americanl and the chief
place of business. A pilot boards vessels
about miles to windward Of the entrance,
md his charge for three masted vessels is I
seven dollars, and for schooners five dollars.
Five dollars is charged for anchorage by the
,hief Of the bay. A river empties itself i'm
into the harbor, which renders
watering very convenient; excellent fire.
wood can be obtained at very moderate Pric-
IS. Stock of all kinds is plentiful. Lat. of
of III 40 M |,