Scotts Last Expedition Volume I | Page 7

to
the ice.

Forage.--I originally ordered 30 tons of compressed oaten hay from
Melbourne. Oates has gradually persuaded us that this is insufficient,
and our pony food weight has gone up to 45 tons, besides 3 or 4 tons
for immediate use. The extra consists of 5 tons of hay, 5 or 6 tons of
oil-cake, 4 or 5 tons of bran, and some crushed oats. We are not taking
any corn.
We have managed to wedge in all the dog biscuits, the total weight
being about 5 tons; Meares is reluctant to feed the dogs on seal, but I
think we ought to do so during the winter.
We stayed with the Kinseys at their house 'Te Han' at Clifton. The
house stands at the edge of the cliff, 400 feet above the sea, and looks
far over the Christchurch plains and the long northern beach which
limits it; close beneath one is the harbour bar and winding estuary of
the two small rivers, the Avon and Waimakariri. Far away beyond the
plains are the mountains, ever changing their aspect, and yet farther in
over this northern sweep of sea can be seen in clear weather the
beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Kaikouras. The scene is wholly
enchanting, and such a view from some sheltered sunny corner in a
garden which blazes with masses of red and golden flowers tends to
feelings of inexpressible satisfaction with all things. At night we slept
in this garden under peaceful clear skies; by day I was off to my office
in Christchurch, then perhaps to the ship or the Island, and so home by
the mountain road over the Port Hills. It is a pleasant time to remember
in spite of interruptions--and it gave time for many necessary
consultations with Kinsey. His interest in the expedition is wonderful,
and such interest on the part of a thoroughly shrewd business man is an
asset of which I have taken full advantage. Kinsey will act as my agent
in Christchurch during my absence; I have given him an ordinary
power of attorney, and I think have left him in possession of all facts.
His kindness to us was beyond words.
The Voyage Out
_Saturday, November 26_.--We advertised our start at 3 P.M., and at
three minutes to that hour the Terra Nova pushed off from the jetty. A
great mass of people assembled. K. and I lunched with a party in the

New Zealand Company's ship Ruapehu. Mr. Kinsey, Ainsley, the
Arthur and George Rhodes, Sir George Clifford, &c._2_ K. and I went
out in the ship, but left her inside the heads after passing the
_Cambrian_, the only Naval ship present. We came home in the
Harbour Tug; two other tugs followed the ship out and innumerable
small boats. Ponting busy with cinematograph. We walked over the
hills to Sumner. Saw the Terra Nova, a little dot to the S.E.
_Monday, November_ 28.--Caught 8 o'clock express to Port Chalmers,
Kinsey saw us off. Wilson joined train. Rhodes met us Timaru.
Telegram to say Terra Nova had arrived Sunday night. Arrived Port
Chalmers at 4.30. Found all well.
_Tuesday, November_ 29.--Saw Fenwick re Central News
agreement--to town. Thanked Glendenning for handsome gift, 130 grey
jerseys. To Town Hall to see Mayor. Found all well on board.
We left the wharf at 2.30--bright sunshine--very gay scene. If anything
more craft following us than at Lyttelton--Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Evans,
and K. left at Heads and back in Harbour Tug. Other tugs followed
farther with Volunteer Reserve Gunboat--all left about 4.30. Pennell
'swung' the ship for compass adjustment, then 'away.'
Evening.--Loom of land and Cape Saunders Light blinking.
_Wednesday, November_ 30.--Noon no miles. Light breeze from
northward all day, freshening towards nightfall and turning to N.W.
Bright sunshine. Ship pitching with south-westerly swell. All in good
spirits except one or two sick.
We are away, sliding easily and smoothly through the water, but
burning coal--8 tons in 24 hours reported 8 P.M.
_Thursday, December_ 1.--The month opens well on the whole. During
the night the wind increased; we worked up to 8, to 9, and to 9.5 knots.
Stiff wind from N.W. and confused sea. Awoke to much motion.
The ship a queer and not altogether cheerful sight under the

circumstances.
Below one knows all space is packed as tight as human skill can
devise--and on deck! Under the forecastle fifteen ponies close side by
side, seven one side, eight the other, heads together and groom
between--swaying, swaying continually to the plunging, irregular
motion.
One takes a look through a hole in the bulkhead and sees a row of
heads with sad, patient eyes come swinging up together from the
starboard side, whilst those on the port swing back; then up come the
port heads, whilst the starboard recede. It