a sergeant (Healy's men) and the crew of the "Maria" make (with the crew whose number I don't know) 65 in all. The lower part of the fly is like a great inland sea with huge low islands scattered thru it its shores fringed with endless rows of mangrove trees and Nipa palms. Last night I had my cat spread on top of the cabin but the wind was fresh even at anchor and I nearly lost the single tarpaulin while that speeded over me as a precaution against storms though sudden little gusts of wind try to take it away with them. It was not until half past seven or eight then we came to a village named Auti on the northern end of Riurai island. We had anchored in deep water that now like a mill race with the falling of the tide. A number of canoes came out to us across the rushing current their crews paddling for all they were worth. In the light of a fairly good moon we purchased some provisions - sweet potatoes eggs etc. And sent off a member of our boys to pass the night ashore as guests of the village. Such a plan gave all opportunities to stretch out. Apparently Auti is a well organized village with a police constable of its own. Our own police sergeant is to sleep ashore. And all will be waked in the morning by the firing of a gun. Monday, May 4. We had heavy rain during night - a very muddy morning. Didn't get far inland & under way still about 7 it. I got through to Dano OK - 2 messages each way; off his track Monday at 8.15 + made daily schedule. Needed a salter bar but got off safely on rising tide. At 10 o'clock we reached Madiri where we went ashore to visit Mrs Crofting, a lady with kindly disposition and