58 Yacht "France" Nov 17 Light variable airs and calm. Fine. 9/30 A.M. Crew getting ready for departure 6/18 """" Heave up T and proceeded out under engine power. At 7/25 A.M. a light breeze off the land, set all sail and stopped the engine. 9/0 Started engine again and steered for Worumburi Bay, we went in and cruised round but could not find less than 20 fms to anchor in, so headed out again and at 9/55 stopped the engine and with all sail set steered for Choiseul Island, wind light & variable. Very hot all afternoon and vessel making very little headway. A light Easterly breeze all night. Nov 18 Calm and light airs, smooth sea. 6/30 A.M. Started the engine and ran till 10/40 "" when we stopped and Mr Rich went away in small boat after sea birds. 11/4 A.M. Mr B returned and started engine again, steering for both ends of Choiseul. 13 1/2 P.M. Anchored and anchored at Noli Island, Choiseul, in 9 fms. Collectors landed at once and returned at 6 P.M. Fine during the night. Nov 19 Calm and variable airs in fore noon. Collectors landed at 6.30 A.M. The weather & moderate S'ly breeze in afternoon and moderate sea and swell coming in over reef, All on board by 4 P.M. Fine during night, vessel rolling. Nov 20 Dull and cloudy weather, light var breeze The swell has increased since yesterday Vessel rolling heavily at times 1 P.M. Heave up and shifted into more (cont) Vessel pumped out daily as required. 59 Yacht "France" (continued) Nov 20 sheltered position behind Noli Island. Anchored in 8 fms and vessel lying quietly. Heavy showers from midnight Nov 21 Dull, overcast and passing heavy showers. Bar 8 A.M. 29.95 Collectors landed at 6.30 a.m., with exception of Richards, who has a sore leg. All on board by 6 P.M. Showers during the night. Nov 22 Moderate S E breeze, cloudy sky. Collectors landed at 7 A.M. Richards & Hicks remained on board. Got the small boat on deck for caulking and painting All on board by 6 P.M. Fine all night. Nov 23 Light breeze and calms. Fine & clear. Collectors landed at 4 P.M. Richards & Hicks on board. Crew variously employed. All on board by 6 P.M. Showers at night. Nov 24 Moderate W'ly breeze all fore noon, falling light in afternoon. "Thanksgiving day" so no collecting done. Crew given the day off. A fresh S E breeze with very heavy rain and much lightning from 8 P.M to 10. Nov 25 Calm and light airs. 7.30 A.M. Heave up T and proceeded along the coast under engine power, keeping close in. 9.50 A.M. Arrived and anchored in Choiseul Bay in 11 fms. Collectors, except Richards, landed at once. All returned on board by 6 P.M. Fine night. Nov 26 Moderate S W wind, fine clear Collectors landed in his boat to go to head of river. All returned by 6 P.M. Fine during the night. Vessel pumped out daily as required.