THE ANTARCTIC.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15612, 9 June 1916, Page 2

THE ANTARCTIC.

RELIEF EXPEDITION, i STATEMENT BY CAPTAIN STEN- ! \ HOUSE. (special to "the press.") DUNEDIN, Jane 8. Captain Stenhouee, of the Aurora, has cabled Sir Ernest Shackleton on business connected with the expedition, but so fair no reply lias come. It is possible that Sir Ernest has gone to Monte Video to see to tho fitting out of tho relief vessel before she leaves for Elephant Island'. Captain Stenhoase is of opinion th.it the gunboat which is to leave Monte Video tomorrow will take from two to threo weeks to get to Elephant Island. She is pretty sure to have to feel her way amongst the advance bergs that are streaming northwards from tho pack, and in tho long nights she would for safetv co slow. It is now definitely settled, as a result of the conference with Mr Massey, that the Commonwealth and New Zealand Governments will jointly undertake the preparation of the expedition which is to set out as oarlv as possible for the relief of Commander Mcintosh and his comrades in the Ross Sea._ This means tbe examination and repair of tho Aurora and fitting her out with 6torcs and gear and a new crew. Captain Stenhouee wants to have the vessel ready oarlv in October, and to tiio beginning of November. It is difficult to estimate until the Aurora is docked what repairs are required. He thinks that her hull is generally strained, but that she has not sustained any very serious structural damage. Of the Aurora's crew, five have joined the military forces, several are away on leave, and there remain eight, including tie captain. These men are likely to be paid off shortly.