2. Owners' instructions: Cooper, Holt and Roberts to Captain Rhodes

In placing you in command of the Barque Australian we do so in the fullest confidence that every exertion on your part will be used to promote our Interest in the Voyage. You will proceed from this Port to New Zealand, either to "Cloudy Bay", "Port Cooper" of "Otaga" and there fish during the season. Should the prospect of success at either of the above ports be good you will complete your voyage and return; if otherwise we recommend you to proceed to Chatham Island and there endeavour to make a voyage, Should you fail in doing so, at the end of the season or before, if your prospects of a Black Whaling Voyage are not good, we deem advisable your attention should be turned to Sperm Whaling.

We enclose you a list of provisions and other stores on board the Vessel to which we beg to call your particular attention, as on your return to Port we shall require from you an exact and faithful amount of your expenditure. We mention this more on account of your officers, as they will pay page 92more attention when they know such instructions are given to the Captain, especially when you inform them that they will be held responsible for the proper appropriation of the stores placed in their charge.

The vessel is insured in this Colony for a Black Whaling Voyage for the season at the aforementioned Ports for 4 pr. Cent, but if she goes Sperming at 10 pr. Cent for the whole Voyage, to return 2 pr. Cent should she arrive in Sydney within 12 months. It will therefore be necessary for you to, write us pr. every opportunity so that in case of any loss we may make our claims.

On looking over the list of stores you will find more spirits than your crew will require. You are at liberty to Barter them or any surplus stores for Oil, Whalebone, or Sealskins, for the benefit of the ship.