64 Yacht "France" Dec 16 calm and fine clear weather. Dr Browne, Richards & Hamlin landed at head of the harbour, a bad place so the hunters reported on return. Filled up with fresh water in the afternoon, also stores from Sydney. All on board by sun down. A fine night. Dec 17 Overcast and still, light showers. Father Schenk boarded as passenger. 8/40 A.M. Home up & proceeded out under engine power, steering a course towards the south end of Bougainville. Heavy rain showers and variable wind. Keeping close in along the coast. At 6/55 P.M. we decided to anchor for the night as we were passing inside the Reefs, so stood in to the shore and let go in 17 fms. A heavy swell sets in to the shore. A fine night. Dec 18 Home up & at 6/30 P.M. and proceeded along the coast with engine. Fine clear weather, but no wind to sail. At 12/20 P.M. we arrived and anchored at Kieta opposite the Government wharf. The doctor boarded at once and cleared the vessel, delivered the mails. A very heavy rain shower in the afternoon. Light rain at night. Dec 19 calm, fine and clear in fore noon, heavy rain showers in afternoon with a sharp squall from over the land. George I started making a new awning. Collectors awaiting a permit to carry fire arms from Rabaul. A fine night. Vessel pumped out daily as required. 65 Yacht "France" Dec 20 calm and light variable airs, fine. collectors still waiting permit. On this day, after a conference of all the party and myself, it was decided to proceeded to Rabaul - to have the vessel put on the slip and get her caulked and repaired. Showers in late afternoon & lightning. Dec 21 calm, fine and clear in fore noon. George employed on awning. The Government District Officer visited the ship in the afternoon. No permit arrived yet, so no collecting. A light shower in afternoon. Dec 22 Dull, overcast and threatening rain. At 9 A.M. showers started and increased later to a heavy down pour which continued, with intervals during the remainder of the day. The permit arrived in the afternoon and Mr Beck and the rest of party went ashore to see the D.C. about landing a party to go inland. Dec 23 calm, fine and clear in morning. Showers in afternoon. collectors ashore getting stores etc for their stay in Bougainville. Inbuilt the mainmast. George making new awning. Fine during the night. Dec 24 calm, fine & clear all day. A light shower in late afternoon. The "Marsina" arrived at 6.30 P.M. and sailed again for Sydney with the mail at 11.50 P.M. Some heavy showers during the night. Vessel pumped out when required.