The weather was so bad on the 25th August that the fleet did not put to sea till next day. The Conquest and Alacrity remained behind, the latter to ci mails to Otaru, and the former to rectify some small defect in her engines, Both were to have left on the following day, but a telegram from Yokohama announced the arrival of Mr. Moody, the new Navigating Lisutocant for the' Conqued, and. the Admiral consequently postponed that ship's departure till the 1st September.
it. Coates, the chaplain of the Cordelia, left for England on the 26th. His successor, Mr. Butcher, a Chaplain and Naval Instructors, arrived at Hakodadi next day and is to take passage in the Conquest when she leaves to rejoin the fleet. Mr. Coates will be greatly missed. During the fleet's stay here a Sing-song has been held every Thursday evening at the Reading Room.
was principally intended for the sailors, but some of the residents always put in an appearance and seemed to enjoy the rather rough entertainment provided by their naval friends. It was decided on board the Conquest not to allow the absence of the fleet to interfere with the due observance of this custom. Unexpected talent was discovered in the ship, and a pleasant evening was the result, The Conquest boasts of a small string band, not very imposing regards.umbers but ambitious enough in its attempts to produce good music. On the evening in question this little band led the way with a gavotte. It also played Milton Wellings' "At the Ferry'; a selection from the Bohemian Girl and ' Schlummerlied' by Otto Booth. The songs, of course, varied greatly in character. Some were of the music-hall type and barely fit for ladies' ears; others were sentimental and some were really good. A banjo duet was greatly appreciated The little orchestra ought a successful evening to a close with "God save the Queen." Considerin, that there was no time for rehearsal, an only one ship from which to draw musical talent, it was generally conceded that the Congved had distinguished herself Next day torpedo firing occupied the morning and afternoon. On the same day the Linnet arrived from Otaru to wait for orders. Lieut. Moody did not arriv by this mail, and orders have just been received by telegram for the Conguest to rejoin the fleet "immediately, if not sooner.'
Hakodadi, Ist September.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.