At this time wireless-telegraphy was in its infancy, but already this means of communication had been established in Australia at a number of coastal stations and on a few ocean-going ships, though its effective range was limited.

Mawson's expedition was essentially one of scientific exploration, thus he staffed the Macquarie Island base with three scientists, in addition to two wireless-telegraphy operators. The leader of the original party was G. F. Ainsworth, a meteorologist in the Melbourne office of the Commonwealth Meteorological Bureau, which had been established four years earlier. He and his companions were transported to Macquarie Island by the Aurora (Captain J. K. Davis) arriving there in December 1911.

Ainsworth continued his meteorological work as well as his duties as Officer-in-Charge for two years. His party was then due for relief. From among the volunteers, to replace Ainsworth, one was chosen and after the preliminary training, he joined the expedition ship at Hobart.

On the day before the Aurora was due to sail from Hobart, this relief officer became suddenly and seriously ill and was withdrawn from the expedition.

Bureau of Meteorology