igio] DEPARTURE 5 



We left the wharf at 2.30 — bright sunshine — very gay scene. 

 If anything more craft following us than at Lyttelton — Mrs. 

 Wilson, Mrs. Evans, and K. left at Heads and back in Harbour 

 Tug. Other tugs followed farther with Volunteer Reserve Gun- 

 boat — all left about 4.30. Pennell ' swung ' the ship for com- 

 pass adjustment, then ' away.' 



Evening. — Loom of land and Cape Saunders Light blinking. 



Wednesday, November 30. — Noon no miles. Light breeze 

 from northward all day, freshening towards nightfall and turn- 

 ing to N.W. Bright sunshine. Ship pitching with south-westerly 

 swell. All In good spirits except one or two sick. 



We are away, sliding easily and smoothly through the water, 

 but burning coal — 8 tons in 24 hours reported 8 p.m. 



Thursday, December i. — The month opens well on the 

 whole. During the night the wind increased; v/e worked up 

 to 8, to 9, and to 9-5 knots. Stiff wind from N.W. and con- 

 fused sea. Awoke to much motion. 



The ship a queer and not altogether cheerful sight under the 

 circumstances. 



Below one knows all space is packed as tight as human skill 

 can devise — and on deck! Under the forecastle fifteen ponies 

 close side by side, seven one side, eight the other, heads to- 

 gether and groom between — swaying, swaying continually to the 

 plunging, irregular motion. 



One takes a look through a hole in the bulkhead and sees 

 a row of heads with sad, patient eyes come swinging up together 

 from the starboard side, whilst those on the port swing back; 

 then up come the port heads, whilst the starboard recede. It 

 seems a terrible ordeal for these poor beasts to stand this day 

 after day for weeks together, and indeed though they continue 

 to feed well the strain quickly drags down' their weight and condi- 

 tion; but nevertheless the trial cannot be gauged from human 

 standards. There are horses which never lie down, and all horses 

 can sleep standing; anatomically they possess a ligament in each 

 leg which takes their weight without strain. Even our poor ani- 

 mals will get rest and sleep in spite of the violent motion. Some 

 4 or 5 tons of fodder and the ever watchful Anton take up the 

 remainder of the forecastle space. Anton is suffering badly from 

 sea-sickness, but last night he smoked a cigar. ITe smoked a little, 

 then had an interval of evacuation, and back to his cigar whilst 



