DASH FOR THE POLE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 53, 26 November 1907, Page 6

DASH FOR THE POLE.

THE NIMROD AT LYTTELTON. J.'IIISI'ARATIONS FOR THE VOYAGE. (by teleghA-Pn—press . association.) Ghristchurch, November 25. The Nimrod will go into dock shortly • in order that the accumulations of weed and barnacles may he romo'ved. Several of the scientists who arrived hy the Niinrod:on;Saturday will leave for Mount Cook to-morrow morning. The oflicers and crew of the Nimrod arc taking a brief holiday to-day, preparatory to making a start with the work that lies in front of them before they, leave for, the South.' . ■ . .. ■ This morning a number of visitors, official and .otherwise, wont aboard the: stout'little ship, and paid their, respects ,to Captain England. The visitors included Mr., 6. liauronson, M.H.R.., and representatives. of the Harbour Board. Work will be commenced on the Nimrod tomorrow. The first step will : be to discbarge the stores and equipment which form the vessel's cargo. Every article intended for use in the Antarctic has, to be thoroughly inspected in ordor that there may bo no unfortunate discoveries at a later date. When the vessel onco leaves Lyttelton there will be no way of replacing faulty or damaged stores, and it is therefore of the utmost importance that all the supplies and equipment shall be in good condition. There is at present on board the Nimrod the greater part of the food and general supplies on which the landing party will have to subsist for many months, as well as the sledges, the scientific equipment, and special hut prepared for erection in the far South. This hut (in sections) is at present stowed in the holds .' , ' ' After the Nimrod has been emptied she will be docked and thoroughly cleancd. At present sho has a thick coating of weeds below the water line, and her goneral appearance is somewhat disreputable. Boxes have to be erected on the deck to accommodate the ponies at present running on Quail Island. The remaining open space on deck will thou be very small.