THE AURORA.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15774, 15 December 1916, Page 5

THE AURORA.

DIFFICULTIES SMOOTHED . OUT, OXLY FINANCE QUESTION TO 813 SETTLED. (special to "the PItESS.") IJUNEDIN, December 14. On the authority of the Hon. James Allen, the "Star" gives a dircct contradiction to the statements and tho suggestions emanating from tho North, effect that difficulties and discords have arisen in rcspccfc to tho despatching of tho Aurora on her relief voyage to Antarctica. The questions as to tho liability and authority and so forth, are all smoothed out, aud the. several parties concerned ar e now 'quite at one. The only matter that stands over lor final settlement is that of finance, ana it is in no sense complicated. A largo sum of money has been spent on tho reoairing and litting-out of tho snip. Concerning this, the New Zealand Government made a. proposal to tno Commonwealth Government, and tncy concurred. Two of the parties are, therefore, known to be at one about, the matter, but there is a third party, the British Government, and Australia and New Zealand are now expecting tuo Old Country's reply. A question by cable as to when that reply will comehas produced tho answer that England is waiting for Australia's answer. Mr Allen says ho does not understand what that means, seeing that Australia has already fallen in witli New Zealand's proposals. Tho whole question, is one of nuance, and Mr Allen docs not anticipate any obstacle arising to prevent the arrangements being perfected.