mi] A MOTOR MISHAP 295 



to Corner Camp. Evans says he carried eight bags of forage 

 and that the dogs went away at a great pace. 



In spite of the weather Evans has managed to complete his 

 survey to Hut Point. He has evidently been very careful with 

 it and has therefore done a very useful bit of work. 



Sunday, October 15. Both of our invalids progress favour- 

 ably. Clissold has had two good nights without the aid of drugs 

 and has recovered his good spirits; pains have departed from 

 his back. 



The weather is very decidedly warmer and for the past 

 three days has been fine. The thermometer stands but a degree 

 or two below zero and the air feels delightfully mild. Every- 

 thing of importance is now ready for our start and the ponies 

 improve daily. 



Clissold's work of cooking has fallen on Hooper and Lashly, 

 and it is satisfactory to find that the various dishes and bread 

 bakings maintain their excellence. It is splendid to have people 

 who refuse to recognise difficulties. 



Tuesday, October 17. Things not going very well; with 

 ponies all pretty well. Animals are improving in form rapidly, 

 even Jehu, though I have ceased to count on that animal. To- 

 night the motors were to be taken on to the floe. The drifts 

 make the road very uneven, and the first and best motor over- 

 rode its chain; the chain was replaced and the machine pro- 

 ceeded, but just short of the floe was thrust to a steep inclination 

 by a ridge, and the chain again overrode the sprockets; this 

 time by ill fortune Day slipped at the critical moment and with- 

 out intention jammed the throttle full on. The engine brought 

 up, but there was an ominous trickle of oil under the back axle, 

 and investigation showed that the axle casing (aluminium) had 

 split. The casing has been stripped and brought into the hut; 

 we may be able to do something to it, but time presses. It all 

 goes to show that we want more experience and workshops. 



I am secretly convinced that we shall not get much help 

 from the motors, yet nothing has ever happened to them that 

 was unavoidable. A little more care and foresight would make 

 them splendid allies. The trouble is that if they fail, no one 

 will ever believe this. 



Meares got back from Corner Camp at 8 A.M. Sunday morn- 

 ing he got through on the telephone to report in the afternoon. 



