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[Page 159]
13th December 1917
HMC Yacht arrived 1 PM Gizo. 61 Men went wood chopping under Mr. Dennis to day. Leave is piped for Bathing from 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM. There is another disturbance in the Band, wanting AB. McKenzie to resign. Press News not very good today. It is said that Mr. Hodson had the charge in his hand holding it with a pair of plyers while he greased the end, in working the plyers he caused a spark which caused the explosion and shattered his arm. Queries. Is the H.M.A.S. Brisbane a light Cruiser or an Ocean Tug, or a common Tramp carrying cocoa nuts for niggers or a Mail Boat & Hospital Ship for niggers or has she turned into a pleasure yacht for the Officers as they are all taking turns in going away in Schooners for fourteen days rest while the Seamen are Holy Stoning the Decks with Bibles and the Stokers are ashore in the fever swamps chopping wood - it looks as if the Australian navy is going to follow the Canadian Navy (Stoney Broke), no money in the Ship to pay. What answer will the Captain give to the Naval Board in the Hodson Case as this took place inside the limit. Will the Board of fisheris have anything to say in the Questions, or will it be put down to Detonator practice so that they may clear themselves and so get him a pension. The Butcher is going away killing to morrow at 6.30 AM.
14th.
Surg. Marne went away at 5.30 AM this morning for a pleasure trip for 14 day. Division Church. Started Holy stoning Decks and generally cleaning Ship. -- Knows what for, it may be Brisbane and it may not. Querie: Where will we be Xmas Day (betting Tulagi).