(330) latest,Loaba;each at one pound a month and a parallel economy in their rations bill. I continued repair work on the semi-rotary water pump in the galley. Took down after main bearing of motor to inspect shaft and found it very dirty and rusty. Salt water has again found its way into the lub- ricating system through small leaks in the circulating water connections which are right over the bearings. All main bearings will have to be dis- mantled and cleaned. At work all afternoon. Mayr, Coultas, and Eyerdam busy labelling and packing birdskins. No collecting done, Weather fine throughout. January 18 At work all day on the motor. Others packing birdskins. I talked over my position as leader with the other members of the expedition and decided it is best for me to relinquish the offi- cial leadership to Coultas. I do not like to do this with the current condition of finances and for this reason only. But with running expenses kept down as low as they are at present I am sure we can pay all bills before leaving the Solomons in two or three months time. The most import- ant responsibility of the leadership is the financial one, especially at this time. All of the staff are to have a proportionate degree of juris- diction in the field work. This change will go into effect to-day. I shall move my quarters into the cabin beside the engineroom as soon as I can. The Chinese cook, Leong On, has not returned for duty since Jan. 15th and has been put down as a deserter; a redeeming feature is that he worked a fortnight for nothing. Aravo, a Guadalcanal native now doing the cooking. Crew employed variously. No collecting done. Weather fine and clear; no wind. January 19 Continued work on motor. Others labelling and packing speci- mens. Eyerdam has taken his shell collection ashore for storage in a Chinaman's shed which allows considerably more room in the main hold. No collecting done. Weather fine. January 20(Sunday) Worked most of the day on the motor. I am very slow but it is instructive. Others still packing specimens. No collecting done. Weather fine but rain during night. January 21 At work on the motor. I could not accomplish much in the morn- ing on account of rain. The San Cristoval specimens and the balance of the Choiseul collection are ready for shipment by the "Marsina" on Feb. 2nd. Chang Cheong, the Chinese carpenter came along to discuss the payment of his bill. Tivo, a Santa Cruz native recently hired, left to-day: no notice no pay. Intermittent rain continues. No collecting done. January 22 Took a large case of specimens over to Burns Philp for ship- ment. This clears the vessel of collected material. The manager was not in, therefore I could not discuss the cash loan which must be raised to en- able us to get away. I am well-known in this capacity here; now Coultas will have to learn to wear the cloak gracefully. No collecting done. Weather unsettled with occasional showers. January 23 Failed to get away to-day due to a pump jamming at the last