"assorted fruits, which I shall try to sell. Then, there is a fine trayle of business to straight out - B.P's with characteristc high- handeness have sold most of the Sydney-ordered stuff that has been awaiting our arrival here. So we shall have to make adjustments. His Excellency, the Manager is too busy with the shipping just now. now. Hicks and I packed the birds for shipment in the afternoon. May 28. Hicks and David out collecting. The skipper and I went into B.P's but could accomplish nothing much. The steamer left last night and will return on the 35th from Faizi bringing our much-relieved shot-guns from Kieta and any returned mail. Captain Middleton visited us - he is the present D.O. here, having replaced Mr. Barley, who lately broke his arm. The Captain (Army) entered the force months ago at Vanikoro where he used to be stationed. David & Hicks brought back a number of white-gos, which are geo desiderata. May 29 - George and Hicks are preparing to leave. I have made all arrangements with B.P's to board them and assume their respective boats while in Australia and to tranship them to Nukualofa and Apia respectively. David ashore to-day collecting. He brought in a brand new bird which I fail to recognize. It resembles the small cuckoo in build but is even smaller - viz, brown, short straight- edged tail, and long sharp wings, breast faintly striped brown on a whitish background. In the evening the crew sent a round robin aft stating that Fraser, sailor, had stolen gasoline at Rabaul. It was signed by all hands. We shall investigate in the morning. May 30. The Captain and I had all hands on the quarter to question them about Fraser and to offer him a chance for defence. He said he took a case of gas but told Mr. Richards, who he ex- pected would inform me. We decided to ship this fellow home along with the other two. He is one of the most useless men on the ship from the point of view of the Museum. All details were settled - wages in full paid (Fraser is in debt to the ship), credentials and letters of recommendation given to the deserving, (i. this case - just George; to Hicks I gave a letter of "appreciation" to his mother and another to B.P's Apia, Samoa, instructing them about returning Hicks in six months' time, should he so desire. We and the rest of the crew saw them off on the steamer. Thank the stars - the geos came through. Last night we were aboard the SS Calcutta and learned that G.R., took an "Empress" boat across the Pacific from Manila so that by this time he is home. Also had much of a yarn with the Chief Engineer who had much to impart about small Diesel engines.