() 
ing been chosen in preference to the posi¬ 
tion at the liopfields. 
All hands were soon busily engaged in 
erecting tents, etc., and the country in 
the near vicinity of the cement kilns re¬ 
sembled a small township in the making, 
and perhaps there was more industry 
shown than the place has seen since the 
days of the Bemacchi era of the island s 
history. The cooks were especially for¬ 
tunate, as Mr. F. Pitfield, who is mana¬ 
ger of Mr, Moore’s estate, very kindly 
allowed them to use the one-time mana¬ 
ger’s residence (of the cement works). 
This was a great benefit, especially when 
the rain came, for we were able to have 
all our meals under cover. 
The first meal in camp was served 
under slight difficulties, owing to our late 
arrival, but on the next day things were 
put in proper order, and everything work¬ 
ed without a hitch. 
Friday evening was a quiet one for all, 
as most of the party were rather tired 
after the events of the day, and soon re¬ 
tired to their tents but the following 
morning the camp was astir early, and 
several parties went down to the beach 
for a swim iii -Neptune's element, while 
of hers preferred a fresh-water dip in tin- 
creek which flowed near the camp. 
Soon after breakfast several parties 
were formed, in order to make excursions 
to places of interest, the main party br¬ 
ing that which went dredging in the Mon- 
gann, which vessel went several miles to 
the eastward of Maria Island, and was 
ably handled by the genial skipper, Cap¬ 
tain Kerr, thus enabling numerous hauls 
to be made at a depth of about 50 
fathoms. 
On Sunday nearly all the members 
hoarded the Edina, while several were 
taken in tow in a large boat that had 
been taken up for the use of fishing par¬ 
ties, and a start was made for China¬ 
man’s Bay. The weather was all that 
could be desired, and the journey was 
enjoyed by everyone. A landing was 
effected at the S.E. end of the bay, and 
after a short walk, Uiedle Bay, which is 
situated on the eastern side of Maria 
Island, was reached, and a most perfect 
vista was unfolded. Many were the ex¬ 
pressions of delight at the beautiful 
beach, with the great ocean rollers curl¬ 
ing in upon the shore. After spending 
an enjoyable day, the return trip was 
commenced about t o'clock, and the party 
landed at Darlington once again, in good 
time for tiip evening meal. Although the 
day was a most perfect one, the crew of 
the launch expected a change before long, 
as the glass had been steadily dropping 
all day. Early on Monday morning the 
storm broke over the camp, a regular 
“southerly buster," and those under can¬ 
vas had an exciting time for an hour or 
so; but oil the whole, the tents stood 
very well, only one coming down, and 
another was deserted by its inmates in 
favour of a room at the cottage. The 
Edina got knocked about a little in the 
bay. But her crew managed, after much 
hard work, to gain a more sheltered 
audio;age near the pigeon loft, and here 
the staunch little vessel remained during 
the remainder of the gale, although at 
times the seas were large enough to cause 
her to roll scuppers under. However, 
as tlie majority of the party were ex¬ 
perienced campers, they did not mind 
the weather conditions, and during the 
morning several parties visited the fossil 
cliffs and ether places of interest. In 
the afternoon a good number assembled 
in one of the old buildings at the cement 
works when a large fire was won burn¬ 
ing brightly, and the company present 
were entertained by phonograph selec¬ 
tions (Mr. Adkins), and Mr. Hector Mc¬ 
Rae discoursed music with the aid of his 
historic bagpipes, which, by the way, 
were quite a feature of the c-amp, as 
during the evenings dances were held and 
Mr. McRae acted a.-- orchestra, being re¬ 
lieved at times by selections on Mr. Gold¬ 
ing’s pathephone and M r. Adkins's phono¬ 
graph. 
Several evenings “camp fires" were 
held, and the members sang songs, etc. 
On Sunday evening hymns were sung, 
while on another occasion Mr. Hall spoke 
about several species of birds, and other 
members recited. These camp files, to¬ 
gether with the impromptu dances, were 
very popular, and pome veiy pleasant 
evenings were spent during the lime we 
were under canvas. 
(An Tuesday morning early rising was 
the order of tho day, and the tents were 
stmek ill good time, and all impedi¬ 
menta ready for transport at the appoint¬ 
ed t'me. The Mongolia did not leave 
till 2.30 p m., and owing to having to 
cal! at several ports and a shortage of 
coal we did not reach Dunalley till al¬ 
most dark. Here a stay of over half an 
hour was made, in order to take in fuel 
and cargo. The remainder of the journey 
was without incident, town being reached 
at 12.2') a.m. During the journey many 
choruses were sung, and as the vessel 
reached the wharf everyone joined in 
singing the National Anthem. 
GEOLOGICAL NOTES ON MARIA 
ISLAND. 
(By A. D. Mackay, ll.Sc.) 
.Maria Island is exceptionally interest¬ 
ing geologically. A fine series of rocks 
is exposed at the northern end of the 
island near the camp, and it is a matter 
for regret that the rough weather expe- 
