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This being determined upon, the next day, Saturday, 22nd February, was spent in landing one of the houses etc. and in setting up the former. During these operations Captain Gardiner's somewhat disrespectful behaviour to me manifested itself more clearly. I had not attempted to interfere with his plans in any way, consequently had not given him the least cause for jealousy, nevertheless all his conduct seemed to say 'everyone shall see that I have the whole control of this matter'. To satisfy him I did my best to help under his orders. I carried wood etc. like one of the crew, and even took opportunities of telling the people in Captain Gardiner's presence that I had nothing to do with this department of the Mission, but that I considered that it was entirely under his control. Nevertheless, when I saw something absolutely wrong l quietly suggested the right way to Captain Gardiner, but he spurned my recommendations.

These were the instances. First — they began to put together an accurately fitted but very unsubstantial wooden house without making the ground level. I told him that I thought it was impossible they could bring everything to its proper bearing unless they first levelled the foundation. They were permitted to go on till the difficulties were so multiplied that they were obliged to begin at the beginning and level. Secondly — they attempted to put up one side of the roof before they had fastened the supporters in any way. I felt it my duty to suggest that every additional board increased the danger of its falling and accordingly, when they had done little more than half, down it all came together but fortunately it was not much strained or broken. Again — having erected the house and put on all the roofing boards they were attempting to put on the heavy canvas cover, made to fit the roof, without having nailed a single board down. Again I felt it my duty to suggest that in all probability some part of the mass of canvas would displace a loose board and throw a number or them down, or at least the first wind that blew would lift up the canvas cover from the angular roof and so displace the boards. The utmost care was taken to prevent this accident, except the particular thing that I suggested viz. nailing the boards; but my suggestion again proved a prophecy, the canvas displaced one of the boards of the roof and it and all above it came to the ground. They were pushed up under the canvas however, to their places and all was left un-nailed, the canvas itself being only slightly fastened with string at the bottom.

In this house, Captain Gardiner and I slept this Saturday night. The wind had freshened a little and consequently I had quietly placed some heavy boards upon the canvas to keep it down, still we were obliged to get up in the night to make it more secure. Captain Gardiner would not do much at it but I remained at work till I had done all I could. The morning came and found the house still under cover.