'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎270] (447/524)

VISIT TO THE WANIKA COUNTRY.
270
is so crowded with inflammable buildings^ that the explosion of a single
shell within its walls would render it untenable.
On the morning of the 30th ultimo we started for Kisalidini in the
Rabbai district, the station of the Rev. Mr. Rebmaun, of the Church
Missionary Society. We proceeded up a remarkable khore or inlet, which
has all the appearance of a winding river, bordered by impenetrable belts
of mangrove trees. After sailing three hours we left our boats and pro
ceeded by land a further distance of two hours through a hilly country,
now parched and burnt up by four months of continuous dry weather,
but which after rain must be exceedingly beautiful.
Mr. Rebmaun’s station is situated on a hill about 800 feet above
the sea, and commands a fine view of the plain below and of the undu
lating district to the West. I need hardly say that we were most hospit
ably entertained by that gentleman and his wife, the former of whom
for eighteen years, and the latter for twelve years, have laboured to pro
pagate the Gospel of Christ amongst the heathen of Wanika.
I have some hesitation in reporting on the result of the teaching of
these devoted Missionaries. I confess it appeared to me disappointing;
but they have had to contend against a series of difficulties under which
many would have succumbed. The Mission station consists of several
well built and commodious houses, but all in a state of <s£/m-completion;
six converts have been baptized, and about as many mpre are
under tuition. Owing, however, to his being without a fellow-labourer,
Mr. Rebmaun has been obliged to give up regular tuition for some time
past, and is now devoting himself to completing the Mission build
ings.
I cannot better describe the difficulties with which Mr. Rebmaun
has had to contend, than by quoting his own words in a letter to my
address:—
When we last saw r you at Aden, seven years ago, we w r ere just pass
ing tin ough the darkest part of the East African Mission. It seemed
as if we had come too early to this part of the world, and the people
weii. unpiepared either to understand or to appreciate our message.
Nothing seemed comprehensible or creditable to them, but that we
must have come to regain possession of the old castle at Mombassa
which they knew had heen built by the JVasunga; but soon after
the crisis came. I he late Imam died on the 19th October 1856,