i 9 o 4 ] ARRIVAL OF THE RELIEF SHIPS 239 



there was no possible object in worrying over such a trifle as 

 the arrival of a relief expedition. And these are the people 

 whom, not unnaturally, some of our friends appear to imagine 

 in dire straits and in need of immediate transport to civilised 

 conditions ! 



1 However j once they got their orders they were off like the 

 wind, and Wilson and I turned about and faced for the ships. 

 We were quite close before figures came hurrying forth to meet 

 us, but then we were soon surrounded with many familiar faces, 

 and with many also that were quite strange. Of course I learnt 

 at once that the second ship was the " Terra Nova," and that 

 her captain, MacKay, was an old acquaintance whom I was 

 more than pleased to welcome in this Far South region ; but 

 it was not until I had had a long talk with my good friend 

 Colbeck that I began to understand why a second ship had 

 been sent and what a strangely new aspect everything must 

 wear. Indeed, as I turn in to-night, amidst all the comfort 

 that the kindness and forethought of my " Morning " friends 

 have provided, I can scarcely realise the situation fully. I can 

 only record that in spite of the good home news, and in spite 

 of the pleasure of seeing old friends again, I was happier last 

 night than I am to-night' 



And now I must briefly explain how it was that these 

 vessels had descended upon us like a bolt from the blue, and 

 what messages of comfort and discomfort they bore. 



To do so I must hark back to March 2, 1902, when, as 

 will be remembered, the ' Morning ' left us bearing despatches 

 which outlined the work we had done and described our 

 situation and the prospect of our detention for a second 

 winter. The 'Morning' arrived in New Zealand in April, 

 and the general outline of affairs was flashed over the cables, 

 but received in a very garbled form ; it was not until six weeks 

 later that the mails brought a clear account of the situation to 

 those who had been so anxiously awaiting news at home. And 

 now for a moment I must pause to explain what this account 

 conveyed to those authorities at home who were responsible 

 for the despatch of the expedition. My report informed them 



