Motor Schooner France August September 1925 9 Monday 31st & 4 Am Passed Navelei light 8 Am Anchored off wharf in 6 fathoms Mr. at Suva harbour and obtained practice Suvu. usual work allotted to Engine worked three hours. At Suva During September the ship remained at anchor waiting orders from the Museum the time of the expedition being up on the 31st of August. On the 12th the Cook was paid off. The weather has been mostly fine and a hard blow was experienced from the SW on the 2nd during which the ship dragged her anchor and had to be shifted and the heavy anchor let go. There has been much rain to carry on any work and the uncertainty of our future movement made the boys very dilatory. On the 18th a lighter towed toward by a launch belonging to an Indian firm fouled the ships cable and carried away the bobstay. On the 18th two men were returned to Samoa by the SS Tofua accord to their wishes their time being up, leaving Hicks George Mafitea and Fraser aboard, who they are telling are staying aboard against their wishes to oblige Mr Beck. On the 20th received instruc- tions to ship the ship for offering her bottom & general overhaul as the expedition is to be continued. H.M.CUSTOMS 1 19 OCT.1928 1 SUVA, FIJI J.Hubcek Motor Schooner France October 1925. At Suva On the 1st Mr Correia and trips the Engineer went away on a collecting expedition leaving Fraser George aboard both very dilatory and neglectful in their duties and work for the master having been spoiled by kindness. The rain which had been threatening for some days set in proper this afternoon and continued with short spells until the 11th. On the 9th the ship was slipped during a continual downpour with the assistance of shore labour. Found the bottom in a very good condition but needing caulking all over. She remained on the slip until the 18th when moored afloat the SS "Princess" berth. The work was carried on during bad weather conditions but was done properly. On Monday the 12th was Cession day & Show day. The ship was hauled for the occasion. Work overhauling Engine receiving house pipes fire pump etc its going on along side the wharf. George Mafitea left on the 17th to return to Apia by the "Tofua" On the 20th after duly trying engine we cleared for Viti via other islands all stores & equipments aboard to fit her for her voyage and left Suva at 6 PM. Mr Beck having got George Mafitea to return as Mate and picked the Crew. J.Hubcek H.M.CUSTOMS 13 OCT.1928 1 SUVA, FIJI