388 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION 
[April 
The season had in many ways been a hard one for 
the engine-room department, but they never failed the 
ship in any of the difficulties in which she found herself, 
and, although conditions were often disheartening, the 
hands kept as willing and cheerful as if everything was 
going well. 
Lieutenant Evans and Drake went home on Expedition 
business, the members of the shore party who had 
returned dispersed to their respective duties in civil life, 
and the men who had joined in New Zealand signed off 
temporarily for the winter. 
Refitting and laying up the ship was hurried on as 
rapidly as possible and, by the help of the New 
Zealand Government, arrangements were made for 
the ship's party to survey Admiralty Bay in the 
Sounds. 
The party were boarded at an accommodation house 
near French Pass and worked from motor launches, these 
latter being fitted with the ship's Lucas sounding 
machines. 
The party consisted of thirteen, including officers, 
and three hands remained in the ship at Lyttelton as 
ship-keepers. 
This work lasted from June lo to October 15, when 
it was necessary to return to Lyttelton to prepare for 
the coming relief voyage. 
On the whole for that part of New Zealand the weather 
this winter was unfavourable, but, in spite of this, a 
satisfactory amount of work was carried out. 
On August 17 we had the great misfortune to lose 
