ANTARCTIC EXPLORING EXPEDITION.

Evening Star, Issue 11718, 29 November 1901, Page 4

ANTARCTIC EXPLORING EXPEDITION.

ARRIVAL OF THE DISCOVERY. [SrECULL TO THE STAB.] CHRISTCHURCH, November 29. Tho Antarctic exploring ship Discovery arrived at Lytte'.ton Heads late last night, and berthed this morning. Her voyage from the Cape was devoid of interest. On leaving the Capo, the Discovery passed the 100 th meridian between latitudes 40 and 45; then steered southward to" abi.m latitude 52, where sho crossed the 130 th meridian, steering still more southerly. On November 16 she fell in with a pack of ico in latitude 63, longitude 141, and ice was entered in order to try to get sight of Adelie Land, but the ship was not able to get far enough for this to be accomplished, being short of timo. The effort was not perserved with, and no thorough investigation was made. A stay of a few hours was made at the Macquarie Islanus, where a party were landed, and obtained an interesting collection of penguins and other birds and their eggs. Two live penguins were also taken on board, and these will probably be left behind in Christchurch as a souvenir of the visit. During the voyage a valuable collection of plankton life specimens were obtained. Serial magnetic observations were taken, and also soundings where possible, in sAne cases at a distance of 100 miles from where any previous soundings havfi been registered. The sensational statement that, the vessel was in a dangerously leaking condition is denied by the stalf, who state that she is a fino seaworthy boat, and leaks no more than is customary with a new wooden vessel upon her maiden voyage. The Discovery will probably remain in Lyttelton for at. least a fortnight taking in stores and coaling. She will also probably be docked for cleaning purposes. The whole of tho officers and crew are in the bes: of health and spirits, and look forward to their voyage. A large crowd assembled ou the wharf to meet the vessel, and the Mayors of Christchurch and Lyttelton, the chairman and secretary of the Harbor Board, and (he president and other members of the Philosophical Society boarded the vessel and offered a hearty welcome to Captain Scott and his men. Some of the officers visited the. city this afternoon, and arrangements have been made for their entertainment during their sojourn in the district.