hose leave of absence transpires.
2. Ponting, who will have completed his work.
3. Anton, who has had enough of it.

_Anton_ took the dark season very badly; it preyed on his superstitions,
but he has worked like a Trojan and is an excellent little man. Please
recommend him highly if he wants to get work in New Zealand.

_Meares_ may possibly return; it depends on letters from home.

The following are certain to stay: Bowers, Simpson, Debenham, Wright,
Nelson, Atkinson, Clissold, Hooper, Dimitri.

The movements of the following depend (i) on the date of the return from
the South; (ii) on the fresh transport which you have brought: Myself,
Wilson, Evans, Oates, Cherry-Garrard, Gran, Day, and the seamen.

If you have brought fresh transport the probability is that all these
will remain. If you have not brought fresh transport the majority, if not
all, who are able to catch the ship will return. The decision is in every
case voluntary and subject to alteration on receipt of home news or from
other causes.

It is impossible for me to speak too highly of any member of the
Expedition who has remained in this party, and you must do your best to
see that the reasons of returning members are generally understood.

In regard to my agreement with the Central News I am leaving with Simpson
under separate cover a telegraphic despatch concerning the doings of this
party, containing about 3000 words. I hope you will duly receive letters
from me through returning sections of the Southern Party. I must leave it
to you to complete the despatch with this material, with news from
Campbell, and with an account of your own doings.

You will remember that the agreement is for a minimum of 6000 words, and
we must not fail in the performance of our part, Drake must take special
care to have the "Hereward" message correct.

As a matter of form, it will be well for you to remind every one
returning in the ship of the terms of the ship's articles.

Ponting will be in charge of all the photographic material returning, and
will see to the observance of the various agreements concerning it.

His own work is of the greatest importance, and it is probable that he
will wish to be in the ship during your trip to recover the Geological
Party and communicate with Campbell.

I should like you to give him every facility you can for his work, but of
course you will remember that he is an enthusiast, and in certain
circumstances might underv