14th May 1898

Saturday.

Southern Cross returned from her cruise around the Islands, our men very busy all day cleaning the ship in the evening we exercise Fire Quarters and prepared ship for Sea Commissioner Woodford with wife & son came on board with him, but during the stay on board rain came down so heavy that they had to remain till past 9 o clock we had a yarn with their boats crew, which consisted of five natives belonging to different Islands of the Hebrides Group they seemed a very decent lot of chaps (not chaps written) speaking English very well and greatly taken up with their master we took them into the Marines Mess and gave them some coffee & supper afterwards the ships company made them presents of tobacco & old clothing likewise we made up a decent package of tinned provisions from the canteen we sent our Mail on shore in charge of the Commissioner as no steamer would call at Gavatu till the 31st.