THE AURORA'S DRIFT 
Evans and sent weather reports to Wellington and Melbourne 
via Macquarie Island. Hooke and Ninnis on several evenings 
at about 11 o'clock have heard what happened to be faint 
messages, but unreadable. He sent word to Macquarie Island 
of this in hopes that they would hear and increase the power. 
June 20. — During this last blow with its accompanying 
drift-snow there has been much leakage of current from the 
aerial during the sending of reports. This is apparently due 
to induction caused by the snow accumulating on the insulators 
aloft, and thus rendering them useless, and probably to increased 
inductive force of the current in a body of snow-drift. Hooke 
appears to be somewhat downhearted over it, and, after discuss- 
ing the matter, gave me a written report on the non-success 
(up to the present time) of his endeavours to establish com- 
munication. He thinks that the proximity of the Magnetic 
Pole and Aurora Australis might affect things. The radiation 
is good and sufficient for normal conditions. His suggestion to 
lead the down lead wires out to the ahead and astern would 
increase scope, but I cannot countenance it owing to unsettled 
state of ice and our too lofty poles. 
" June 21. — Blowing gale from south-west throughout day, 
but for short spell of westerly breeze about 5 p.m. Light drift 
at frequent intervals, very hazy, and consequently no land in 
sight during short twilight. Very hard up for mitts and cloth- 
ing. What little we have on board I have put to one side for 
the people at the hut. Have given Thompson instructions to 
turn crew to making pair mitts and helmet out of Jaeger fleece 
for all hands forward. With strict economy we should make 
things spin out ; cannot help worrying over our people at the 
hut. Although worrying does no good, one cannot do other- 
wise in this present impotent state. 11 p.m. — Wind howling 
and whistling through rigging. Outside, in glare of moon, fly- 
ing drift and expanse of icefield. Desolation ! 
" June 22. — To-day the sun has reached the limit of his 
northern dechnation and now he will start to come south. 
Observed this day as hohday, and in the evening had hands 
aft to drink to the health of the King and the Expedition. All 
hands are happy, but miss the others at Cape Evans. I pray 
