ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15606, 2 June 1916, Page 8

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON SAFE. ARRIYAL AT FALKLAND ISLANDS.

(Exirraorcltnaj-y —Press Association — Copyright in Australia and New Zealand.) LONDON* May 31. Sir Ernest Shackleton has arrived safely at the Falkland Islands. The crew of the fJndarance are at Elephant Island. THE ENDURANCE LOST, CRUSHED IN THE ICE. CREW LAND ON ELEPHANT ISLAND. 800-MILE VOYAGE IN SMALL BOAT. (By Cable.—Piess Association. —Copyright.) (Received June Ist, 6.15 p.m.) LONDON, June 1. The "Daily Chronicle" publishes the following message signed by Sir.Ernest Shackelton, dated Port-Stanley, Falkland Islands, May 31st: — "I have arrived here. The Endurance was crushed in the ice in the middle of the Weddel Sea on October 27th, 1915. Wo drifted 700 miles in the ice until April 9tli, 191(1 We landed on Elephant Island on April ICth. I left on the 24th, leaving 22 men in a hole in the ice cliffs, and proceeded for help to Sour-Ji Georgia, with five men in a 22ft boat. At the time of leaving Elephant Island all the others were well, but were in urgent need of rescue."' Elephant. Island is the most northerly of the South Shetland Islands, a chain of islands on tho border of the Antarctic region, lying about 500 miles south-east of Cape" Horn, between latitude (ildcg and 63deg lOmin south and between longitude 53deg and G3deg west. Deception Island, one of tho group, is remarkable as of purely volcanic origin. Most of the islands are rocky and mountainous, and some of their peaks are between 0000 and 7000 feet in height. Covered with snow for the greater part of the year and growing nothing but lichens, mosses, and some scanty grass, the South Shetlands are of interest almost solely as a haunt of seals, albatrosses, penguins, and other seabirds. In 1819 William Smith, of the English brig Williams, observed the South Shetland coast. Revisiting it in October, 1819, he la-nded on Iving George 1. Island, taking possession for England; ho also gave the whole chain the name it bears. A smaller group of islands lying 200 miles east of the South Shetlands bears the name of South Orkney. The South Shetlands lie roughly about midway between Capo Horn and the point where Sir Ernest Shackleton proposed to establish his bas© on tnc shore of the Weddell Sea. From Elephant Island to South Georgia is roughly about 800 miles, from which it is evident that Sir Ernest Shackleton had a terribly arduous and adventurous boat South Georgia lies about 850 miles south-east of the Falkland Islands.

SENSATION IN LONDON. ARRANGEMENTS FOR RELIEF. (Received June Ist, 10.35 pm.) LONDON, June 1. Sir Ernest Shackleton's telegram reached London at-midnight. It was immediately communicated to the King, who has shown the deepest interest, in the expedition, and also to Lady Shackleton and other relatives of the explorer, who had entertained the gravest fears regarding, the safety of the party, owing to the absence of any tidings of the Endurance. The news only became known to the public when late editions of the "Daily Chronicle" were sold in tho streets. The posters created a sensation amongst the men and women going to work, and a huge edition was eagerly bought up. The full story of Shackleton's journey in a 22-foot boat is eagerly awaited. It will also explain the circumstances necessitating . the abandonment of the trans-polar journey. The news of the safety of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions will not lessen the public demand that everything possible must be done on behalf of the men left on Elephant Island and in the Ross Sea. •'Ma* Asquith's reply to Mr Eugene AVason in the House of Commons, which was given before Sir Ernest Shackleton's telegram reached London, shows that the Government realises tho necessity for immediate action and is fully prepared to pledge public funds for this purpose. purpose.