Tuesday, Aug 30 (& this is the day I am now writing my diary up. I left off last evening as I told you). Moderately fine morning, strong breeze, choppy sea & she is now pitching freely. At noon our position was: Lat. N. 16.48, Long. W. 160.42, run 300 kn., leaving 311 to Honolulu, & we are all a trifle disappointed as she has not run well for a few days & it will be noon ere we get [6:52] into Honolulu tomorrow, & as they begin cargo working at once, & it[‘s] dark about 6:45, we can’t have much time ashore. They ought to be in early morning & they are due to leave at 4 p.m. I hope it may be fine, & we shall make the most of the time at our disposal. Now here I am up to date, 3 p.m. exactly, ship’s time.

A grand minstrel concert is advertised for tonight by the stewards & I hear them practising now. Sure to be a real treat as there are some fine young fellows amongst them. A beautiful programme (red & blue pencil), very artistic, is attached to the notice board in companion. This would do credit to any lithographer.[1]

Now about the daily positions. If you get the large atlas, it might be interesting to you to spot where we’ve been daily. Mr. Leask will be able to do it to a mile almost.

A few comments on your last letter & papers before I forget. Yes, it was kind of Mr. Sinclair to even think of rendering you help during your sorrows, & also James’[s] friends are kind to be sure, & I do sincerely appreciate it. You will have read by now that I got to know, at Geelong, from George’s wife’s sister,[2] a little stranger had arrived at Harrogate. I did write him. Mr. Mitschke is dead too, a good man. I’ve known him many years & he was always the same. Also I read of [6:53] Mrs. Bolton’s death. I wonder if it is the young widow or the mother-in-law. Mr. Leask & I, as trustees, have interest there.

Willie is to send up Mr. Adamson a tin of pine apple & to tell him I’ve not yet tasted a fresh pine that compares with the canned ones. Also to say I hope he has enjoyed his holidays. I was pleased you had Mrs. Adamson down & spent an evening with you. You told me in your Brisbane letter her brother from Toowoomba will be home by now. I hope he is feeling better. I am often wondering what’s been done at Hartlepool Church. I should like to be home for the ordination services. I think I’ve thought of every friend during my tour & sent them post cards, which I hope they will receive. By the way, remember me very kindly to Mrs. Heslop, Mrs. Jones, & Ethel, & George, should he be at home any time. I am looking forward now to receiving letters at Vancouver. I hope Sarah has received mine & replied. Have you ever sent Bessie anything? Do so on receipt of this. Has Miss Foster been at WH[3] this summer? Should you meet Mrs. Park, tell her I spent a pleasant time with the Furnesses at Auckland. Give my very warmest regards to the Smiths, & I hope they are well. I expect Rachel will have been over during the summer. Was the photo of Stone[4] good?

[6:54]

[1] Inserted on facing page: “Minstrels concert page 54 £3.0.6. Programme printed.”

[2] Inserted on facing page: “George’s wife’s sister, Mrs. Jones”.

[3] W. Hartlepool

[4] Gravestone of Robert Gibson