BOUND FOR THE 1-ROZEN SOUTH.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13903, 30 November 1910, Page 10

BOUND FOR THE 1-ROZEN SOUTH.

CAPTAIN SCOTT'S EXPEDITION FINAL DEPARTURE OF THE TERRA NOVA.

ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF AT PORT CHALMERS. (special to "the press.") DL'XEDIX, November 29. It vns n beautiful summer's afternoon tor the (Ir-nartiirc of the Terra Nova. Port Chalmers was en fete: flas-'s were flown and bunting displayed iroin even- point of vantage. There was no fuss over the farewell, but there was much evidence of .appreciation of the men who were sailing in jicnrrh of tame for a great Empire. All the morning motor oars, motor bicycles, and cvt'lists kept on arriving at Port Chalmers. The visitors all went down to the wharf, where the Terra Nova

lay, and passengers by the trains also swelled the crowd, who hour after hour continued to observe the exploring snip from the wharf. AH that was observable could be seen in five minutes, but the fascination of the vessel and its mission held the attention of the spectators. The vessel's de<-ks were very much lumbered up. the sacks of coal being piled up as far aft as the mizzen. Everything had been secured, however, and unless very bad weather is en-

countered, no damage is likely to occur. Her draught aft —and she was trimmed deeper at the stern than nt the bow—was 19ft 3in this morning, when practically everything was on board. This left a free board of over 2ft at the lowest point The vessel looked very low in the water, but her buoyancy would compensate, She is expected to resell the ice pack m three weeks' time.

Punctually at 2.30 the Terra Nova left in tow of the Harbour Board's tug Plucky. Just before she moved away, a reporter approached Captain Scott, who said that he had nothing more to add to what had already appeared in the Press. He remarked that everything in connection with the expedition was in order; he knew of no detail that had not been attended to.

As the exploring ship cast off her lines, and moved away from the wharf, the crowd cheered and cheered again, steamers whistled, and rockets cracked; the spirit of encouragement was given full freedom. The Amokura led the way, followed by the -Terra Nova with the Plucky alongside. Then came, the defence " steamer. Lady Roberts, with crowded ferry steamers and a long line of yachts and mocor boata. The Plucky proceeded as far as Capo Saundevs. Here the last farewell took place. The Mayor and party gave three ringing cheers, which were responded to with three hearty British cheers from Captain Scott and his staff. This morning Captain Scott called on his Worship tlio Mayor, who proposed hin health in a few words. Ho wished

tho Expedition "God-speed," and expressed the hope that it would be crowned with tho success that the most earnest wish could favour. Captain Scott briefly responded. Ho referred to the progress of Diuiedin sineo his last visit, which was attended with many happy memories. He would go away buoyed , up with the encouragement of tho people of New Zealand and Australia, who had manifested the keenest interest and the warmest desire tor the success which he and his staff hoped to attain. Amonc the ffifts for the Terra Nova was one from tho St. Matthew's branch of the Church of England Men's Sooietj' teamen's Guild. This gift consists of a Christmas-box for each member of the Expedition, containing articles which will undoubtedly giro pleasure to the men while so distaut trom their friends and homes.

An incident of interest occurred at the Terra Nova this forenoon, causing much merriment among the onlookers. Several casks of beer had been sent down to thc ship a.s a partina: gift, and some of them had been taken on board, when an official whose words carry weight ordered the beer to be put back into the railway trucks. The bluejackets winked at each other, and one of them, with mixed facial expressions, enquired, .Vha's gone wrong with the condensed milk"

Last night Mr J. J. Kinsey received a telegram from Mrs Scott. It had been sent from Dunedin at 6.30 p.m, and is as follows:—"Just back from Heads; aU gay and cheeiful; everything excellent; love to Mrs Kinsey.— Kathleen Scott.'"