 In 1883, following a drop in financial support for the mission, he announced his resignation as superintendent, declaring his intention to start a mission in Western Australia, but was coerced into remaining.His health was failing however, and in March 1884 he left to recuperate in England, returning the following January much invigorated.While in England he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and published a booklet "Black but Comely .