e predicted with some
certainty: strong winds, heavy seas, much fog and general gloom.

We had a fine run through Bass Strait with a light south-east breeze,
arriving off King's Island at noon on May 28. The trawling gear was
got ready for the following day, but the sea was too high and the ship
continued south towards the position of the Royal Company Islands.

On June 1 we were in latitude 53 degrees south, longitude 152 degrees
east, and had been cruising about fruitlessly in heavy weather for days
waiting for an opportunity to dredge. After being at sea for a whole
fortnight we had only three soundings to our credit, and it was,
therefore, resolved to make for Macquarie Island.

On the 7th we reached the island and anchored at North-East Bay in
twelve fathoms, about one mile from land.

After a stiff pull ashore, next day, we landed and found the party all
well. They had built a comfortable hut and were enjoying life as far as
possible, despite the constant gales and continuous days of fog.

We then climbed up the hill to the wireless station, where everything
was in splendid order. Two small huts had been erected, one for the
engine and the other for the receiving apparatus. Sandell and Sawyer,
the two operators, were to be congratulated on the efficient way the
station had been kept going under very considerable difficulty. In
addition to the routine work with Hobart and Wellington they had
occasionally communicated with stations over two thousand miles distant.

I was able to send the following message to Professor David: "'Aurora'
arrived Macquarie Island; all well, June 7; constant gales and high seas
have prevented dredging so far. Royal Company Islands not found in the
position indicated on the chart."

We were able to land some stores for the use of the land party under
Ainsworth. Meteorological, biological and geological work were all in
progress and the scientific records should be of great value. Up to the
date of our arrival, no wireless messages had been received from Adelie
Land. As Dr. Mawson was in ignorance of its exact location, the position
of the Western Base under Wild was given to Ainsworth to forward to
Adelie Land in case communication should be established.

After Mr. Waite had obtained several birds, it was decided to move down
to Lusitania Bay to secure some Royal penguins and a sea-elephant. Two
days later, the 'Aurora' anchored in the bay, three-quarters of a mile
from the beach,