(Jan.12-cont.) No collecting done. Weather clear for three hours followed by black rain squalls from the NW. January 14 Everyone busy preparing mail for the steamer that leaves for Sydney on the morrow.I could not get a message through to the Bank of NSW until this morning.It is necessary for me to get tacit assurance by cable that funds have been received before I can arrange for the crew's discharge and transportation.The Museum might have mentioned money in their recent radios;with definite assurance to hand that a remittance had been sent I could have had the four Polynesians paid off and ready to leave to-morrow. Everyone agrees that the four boys in question will have to go.I waited until the field party returned to talk it over with them. An expensive crew at this time is impossible despite their value as hunters and bird preparators.David is the only one I tried to talk into remaining and I thought I had succeeded until he got off with the rest who changed his mind for him.All want to go to Noumea-New Caledonia to seek employment as sailors.This will be cheaper than sending them to their homes(Samoa and Tahiti)as agreed,provided the governments are will- ing. Charlie and David spent the day ashore collecting and brought in a good specimen of the yellow-legged Columba(previous examples from Bougainville and Choiseul Is.).I noticed in a specimen of the blue- backed("kaloproktos")kingfisher a white spot on the back which is a variation from the usual form taken on the islands to the northwest. Weather improved to-day but still gusty and overcast. January 15 Fortunately the radio I was hoping for came through from the Bank of NSW giving assurance of money.I received it at 10 A.M.,which gave me only one hour to make arrangements with the government and Burns Philp.The boys were all ready and since everyone was anxious to see the last of them,we managed with considerable rushing about.I did not have time to pay them off but shall send postal orders to Noumea. It will prevent them spending their wages in Sydney. The difference in fare between Noumea and Samoa or Tahiti is considerable. No collecting done. Weather clear during morning but rainy later. January 16 Sent communication off to NY giving particulars of the expe- dition's financial status.I am forced to spend the money just cabled to Sydney and find myself still nearly 700 pounds sterling in debt. This hardly takes into account salaries on board the vessel.To proceed to the Carolines the expedition must be out of debt and two or three thousand dollars in hand at least. Dr.Mayr cabled Berlin that he cannot leave without permission from NY and that he wishes to work in the Carolines.It is improbable that he will leave now.We might be able to return to America together in July or August of this year. The next thing is to get out of this port for Malaita. No collecting done.Others busy checking their San Cristoval birds. Weather rainy and overcast. January 17 Engaged another Santa Cruz native as a sort of engineer's mate.We have five boys forward now- Aravo,Tivo,two"Jackies",and the