took them to the office. Down town, and gathered various information relative to local shipping. Home, dined, and wrote seven slips of Ship news, and fourteen slips of a Harbour report. Scott and his mate bought the timber and made preparations for the verandah and windows. Mrs. Alexander came to tea. Over to the office, revising and correcting. Looked in at the Exchange. Home by ½ past 11, and took the pill and eye lotion.

Wednesday: 21st: Looked out a little after 6. Showery and windy morning. Took another pill, and had another drop in the eye. Being lazy and relaxed, turned in and lay abed reading till ½ past 11. The carpenters at work on the verandah. Poor, dear, Kitty greatly fagged. The Vixen, Captain Pearse, sailed for Manila at 3p.m. Kitty went out to see her Pyl. I had a turn down to the Exchange and lost a couple of games to Dan Connell. Tried on my boat cloak. Had a long gossip with Williamson. Turned in a little after10.

Thursday: 22nd: Turned out at 6. Lovely morning. Two schooners signalled, one of which proved to be the Zillah. She came into port at 11a.m. The other was outside all day. Walked out to the cattle sale at Newmarket. Got home a little before 4 p.m. Had some dinner and went over to the Masonic and played a game or two. Scott & Weaving busy at the back verandah. It will make the house very complete. Kitty had her dear Pyl to tea with her.