10 
SCOUTS LAST EXPEDITION [December 
manner in which our two stewards, Hooper and Neald, 
provide for all requirements — washing up, tidying cabin, 
and making themselves generally useful in the chccrfullest 
manner. 
With such a large number of hands on board, allowing 
nine seamen in each watch, the ship is easily worked, and 
Mcarcs and Oatcs have their appointed assistants to help 
them in custody of dogs and ponies, but on such a night 
as the last with the prospect of dirty weather, the ' after 
guard *■ of volunteers is awake and exhibiting its delightful 
enthusiasm in the cause of safety and comfort — some are 
ready to lend a hand if there is difficulty with ponies 
and dogs, others in shortening or trimming sails, and 
others again in keeping the bunkers filled with the 
deck coal. 
I think Priestley is the most seriously incapacitated 
by sea-sickness — others who might be as bad have had 
some experience of the ship and her movement. Ponting 
cannot face meals but sticks to his work ; on the way 
to Port Chalmers I am told that he posed several groups 
before the cinematograph, though obliged repeatedly to 
retire to the ship's side. Yesterday he was developing 
plates with the developing dish in one hand and an ordinary 
basin in the other ! 
We have run 190 miles to-day: a good start, but in- 
convenient in one respect — we have been making for 
Campbell Island, but early this morning it became evident 
that our rapid progress w f ould bring us to the Island in 
the middle of the night, instead of to-morrow, as I had 
anticipated. The delay of waiting for daylight would 
