und

(i) To find a snug berth in which the ship can take shelter during
gales.

(ii) To erect the meteorological hut if you have brought it with you.

From a recent sledge trip to the West I am inclined to think that
excellent shelter could be found for the ship alongside the fast ice in
the Ferrar Glacier Inlet or in New Harbour, and it might be well to make
headquarters in such a place in time of disturbance. But it would be wise
to keep an eye to the possibility of ice pressure across the Sound.

It might be possible to moor the ship under the shelter of Butter Point
by a hawser secured to balks of timber buried deep in the snow; she
should he easy at a long scope. In regards to the hut my idea is to place
it in as sheltered a spot as possible, at or near a spot which commands a
view of the Strait, the main object being to make it a station from which
the phenomena of blizzards, etc., can be observed. Simpson, who was with
me in the West, will give you some idea of our impressions.

You will understand that neither of the above objects are of vital
importance.

On the proper date you will return to Evans Coves to pick up the
Geological Party.

I must assume that Campbell has been landed in the region of Robertson
Bay in a place that is fairly accessible at this season. If this is so I
think it is desirable that you should visit his station after leaving
Evans Coves to communicate fresh instructions to him.

Campbell was directed to be prepared to embark on February 25, and it is
probable that he will have returned a few days before that date.

In view of the return of the ship in 1912-13 I propose to give Campbell's
Party the choice of remaining another winter in their station under
certain conditions or of returning to New Zealand. Should they decide to
stay, the necessary stores for them can now be landed. Should they decide
to return, inform Priestley that he is at liberty to remain at Cape Evans
for a second winter if he wishes to do so.

Should the party be absent from the station you must leave the
instructions and return to McMurdo Sound. I do not think you should delay
beyond February 24 on this service.

You should be back in McMurdo Sound at the end of February or March, and
after collecting fresh news, I hope you will be able to moor the ship and
await developments for at least ten days.

The term of this stay must be left entirely to your judgment, observing
that whilst it is highly undesir