Sunday 17^th February

Got up at 8 am. First Mate got a grand breakfast of porridge and fish rissoles (an elaborate dish known only to the First Mate). While washing up was in progress Mr Sharpe came down and had a yarn, and we also had a call from two Nelson gentlemen. After a wash at the pump started for the village to dine with the Leslies. Had a splendid repast and a most enjoyable smoke under the trees afterwards. After tea adjourned to the drawing room and had a really good old musical evening. It was a treat greatly enjoyed by the two mariners. Miss Leslie, a splendid accompanist, sang us several songs and Mr Whitehorn and the Misses Aileen, Olive and Cora Leslie also sang. In spite of his Skipper's express orders and the prayers of the company, the First Mate insisted on inflicting his croaking on us. On the whole, Sunday was one of our red letter days and it took a lot of will power to drag ourselves away from our friends, who had done everything possible to make us enjoy our visit ashore. Got down to the wharf about 9.30 pm, got under weigh and brought up under the Spit. Set alarm for midnight and turned in. Turned out soon after twelve and had some cocoa. Got under weigh at five to one in splendid SW breeze. Had a really good run across and picked up moorings a few minutes before 4 am. Turned in.