198 Yacht "France" December 14 6.30 P.M. Tango Pt light abaft. (continued) 7.30 ... Little Pt in Vila harbour in 17 fms Engine 9k30w. Watch kept, lights etc attended. December 15 Moderate SE breeze, fine clear Bar, 29.95 5.15 P.M. Boat ashore with Mr Rich for provisions crew employed rigging masts and gaff sail Took stock of all stores. 1 P.M. crew granted shore liberty for the remainder of the day. Night watch kept, lights etc attended. Dec 16 Moderate SE breeze, fine weather Bar 29.96 crew variously employed Night watch, lights etc attended. Dec 17 Light to moderate breeze, fine weather Bar 29.98 On this day engaged three men as additional members of the crew, as follows: Charles Phineas, A.B, £3 per month Manuel Pehei, A.B, £3 " " David Leburn, cabin boy, £1 per month these men were engaged on the condition that they would be retained if their services were found satisfactory and their conduct good. They agreed to be discharged at any port during the voyage at the masters option. Dec 18 Light to moderate SE breeze, fine weather Bar 29.97 crew employed washing vessel outside and afterwards painted her one coat with finished at 5 P.M. Night watch, lights etc attended. Dec 19 Light breeze and passing showers Bar 29.93 Half bath day observed Night watch, lights etc attended. 199 Last Page Yacht "France" Yacht "France" Dec 20 Light breeze fine weather Bar 29.97 crew variously employed Frazier A.B. went ashore to the hospital to consult the doctor, he was examined and found all right. He has been laid up twice with Malaria during the voyage from Vanikoro. Night watch, lights etc attended. Dec 21 Light breeze, overcast cloudy sky Bar 29.94 crew variously employed during the fore noon, getting ready for sea later. Look in balance of stores and oil. Engine under overhaul by shore engineers. At 8 P.M. we would have sailed for Efi, but owing to Hicks being laid up and wind too light to sail out we waited till dawn. Night watch, lights etc attended. Dec 22 Heavy rain and thunderstorm all night with wind continually shifting Sky clearing at daylight and wind came away light but steady from N'ward 5 P.M. Hove up and proceeded out with engine through the passage. 5 P.M. Stopped engine, all sail set and steered for Devils Point; abeam at 8 A.M. From then till 4/30 P.M. beating up inside Hat Island. At 5/10 P.M. Mr Rich decided to anchor for the night as the wind was still North and not shifting 5 P.M Anchored under the lee of Loleppa Isl in 13 fms. Light variable airs and passing showers Night watch kept.