4 SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [November 



Waimakariri. Far away beyond the plains are the mountains, 

 ever changing their aspect, and yet farther in over this northern 

 sweep of sea can be seen in clear weather the beautiful snow- 

 capped peaks of the Kaikouras. The scene is wholly enchanting, 

 and such a view from some sheltered sunny corner in a garden 

 which blazes with masses of red and golden flowers tends to feel- 

 ings of inexpressible satisfaction with all things. At night we 

 slept in this garden under peaceful clear skies; by day I was off 

 to my office in Christchurch, then perhaps to the ship or the 

 Island, and so home by the mountain road over the Port Hills. 

 It is a pleasant time to remember in spite of interruptions and 

 it gave time for many necessary consultations with Kinsey. His 

 interest in the expedition is wonderful, and such interest on the 

 part of a thoroughly shrewd business man is an asset of which 

 I have taken full advantage. Kinsey will act as my agent in 

 Christchurch during my absence; I have given him an ordinary 

 power of attorney, and I think have left him in possession of all 

 facts. His kindness to us was beyond words. 



The Voyage out 



Saturday, November 26. We advertised our start at 3 P.M., 

 and at three minutes to that hour the Terra Nova pushed off from 

 the jetty. A great mass of people assembled. K. and I lunched 

 with a party in the New Zealand Company's ship Ruapehu. Mr. 

 Kinsey, Ainsley, the Arthur and George Rhodes, Sir George 

 Clifford, &c. 2 K. and I went out in the ship, but left her inside 

 the heads after passing the Cambrian, the only Naval ship pres- 

 ent. We came home in the Harbour Tug; two other tugs fol- 

 lowed the ship out and innumerable small boats. Ponting busy 

 with cinematograph. We walked over the hills to Sumner. Saw 

 the Terra Nova, a little dot to the S.E. 



Monday, November 28. Caught 8 o'clock express to Port 

 Chalmers, Kinsey saw us off. Wilson joined train. Rhodes met 

 us Timaru. Telegram to say Terra Nova had arrived Sunday 

 night. Arrived Port Chalmers at 4.30. Found all well. 



Tuesday, November 29. Saw Fenwick re Central News 

 agreement to town. Thanked Glendenning for handsome gift, 

 130 grey jerseys. To Town Hall to see Mayor. Found all well 

 on board. 



