Sunday, January 8.—­A day of disaster.  I stupidly gave permission for the third motor to be got out this morning.  This was done first thing and the motor placed on firm ice.  Later Campbell told me one of the men had dropped a leg through crossing a sludgy patch some 200 yards from the ship.  I didn’t consider it very serious, as I imagined the man had only gone through the surface crust.  About 7 A.M.  I started for the shore with a single man load, leaving Campbell looking about for the best crossing for the motor.  I sent Meares and the dogs over with a can of petrol on arrival.  After some twenty minutes he returned to tell me the motor had gone through.  Soon after Campbell and Day arrived to confirm the dismal tidings.  It appears that getting frightened of the state of affairs Campbell got out a line and attached it to the motor—­then manning the line well he attempted to rush the machine across the weak place.  A man on the rope, Wilkinson, suddenly went through to the shoulders, but was immediately hauled out.  During the operation the ice under the motor was seen to give, and suddenly it and the motor disappeared.  The men kept hold of the rope, but it cut through the ice towards them with an ever increasing strain, obliging one after another to let go.  Half a minute later nothing remained but a big hole.  Perhaps it was lucky there was no accident to the men, but it’s a sad incident for us in any case.  It’s a big blow to know that one of the two best motors, on which so much time and trouble have been spent, now lies at the bottom of the sea.  The actual spot where the motor disappeared was crossed by its fellow motor with a very heavy load as well as by myself with heavy ponies only yesterday.

Meares took Campbell back and returned with the report that the ice in the vicinity of the accident was hourly getting more dangerous.

It was clear that we were practically cut off, certainly as regards heavy transport.  Bowers went back again with Meares and managed to ferry over some wind clothes and odds and ends.  Since that no communication has been held; the shore party have been working, but the people on board have had a half holiday.

At 6 I went to the ice edge farther to the north.  I found a place where the ship could come and be near the heavy ice over which sledging is still possible.  I went near the ship and semaphored directions for her to get to this place as soon as she could, using steam if necessary.  She is at present wedged in with the pack, and I think Pennell hopes to warp her along when the pack loosens.

Meares and I marked the new trail with kerosene tins before returning.  So here we are waiting again till fortune is kinder.  Meanwhile the hut proceeds; altogether there are four layers of boarding to go on, two of which are nearing completion; it will be some time before the rest and the insulation is on.

It’s a big job getting settled in like this and a tantalising one when one is hoping to do some depot work before the season closes.