Mackintosh was having trouble with the Primus lamp in his tent, and this made it inadvisable to divide the party again.

It was decided, therefore, that all should proceed, and that the next and last depot should be placed on the base of Mount Hope, at the foot of the Beardmore Glacier, in lat.

83ｰ 30ｴ S.

The party proceeded at once and advanced five miles beyond the depot before camping on the evening of the 18th.
The sledge loads were now comparatively light, and on the 19th the party covered 13 miles 700 yds.

A new trouble was developing, for Spencer-Smith was suffering from swollen and painful legs, and was unable to do much pulling.