TO THE SOUTH POLE

Evening Star, Issue 14526, 30 November 1910, Page 6

TO THE SOUTH POLE

THE TERRA NOVA’S DEPARTURE HER ESCORT TO SEA There was no hanging back on the part of tho Terra Nova’s men yesterday afternoon. They wanted to get to sea. When tho Plucky backed down to listen on to tho port side of the barque, so as to give her a drag down the harbor, she was hanging to her berth by one light line, quite ready, and tho tug’s breast ropes were taken aboard and made fast not only with smartness, but in a manner that suggested the anxiety of a homeward-bounder to make sure of tho steam power that will enable her to save a tide. To takc-to and bilt occupied but a minute, and promptly to the timo appointed, half-past two o’clock,

stepped on to tho barque’s rail in the waist, and, chatting quite freely with those near him, he did not suggest the commander of a great and serious expedition, but rather a simple-mannered and kind' gentleman who was taking a friendly interest in the venture; yet, wliilst watching his face, as many did, it was not difficult to fmd an occasional clouding, indicating tho power to enforce authority if necessity arose. Decidedly a strong man, one would say of him—a strong m;m at tho head of strong men. Yes, these subordinates of his are strong men, no doubt. They are picked for their physical strength and activity, and one may rest assured, 100, that tho doctor who passed them was satisfied also as to their mental soundness, for your gloomy and lean man, given to mystic poiidcrings, is not the soit of chap to do well in tho vast stillnesses of the poles. Though a little relaxed, enjoying half an hour's laziness before commencing the grim task ou which they are venturing, these men made a line show. They are of the bronzed and hardy typo that do not need to pose or stint. Watching them as they joke and exchange gifts with the ladies of the Plucky’s party, one insensibly thinks of young lions at play. Apparently

port bow, so close that now and then ehp had to push ahead 1 full speed and give a cast of tho starboard helm to keep clear. , The launches Inishfree, Tongaroa, Meteor, Muritai, Marguerita, Mahinerangi, and Matai also ventured out into the open, the sea being smooth, and tho yachts Aorangi and Matua gave variety to the scene. Abreast of tho mole there was an exchange of salutes, the Amokura firing six guns and manning her rigging, whilst the Lady Roberts gave another salvo. Tlic Terra Nova then took the lead—■ she was in her own domain—and tho escorting fleet followed her in a. body for about a mile and a-half. 'The Plucky said good-bye at 3.35. The others stood on a bit longer. Before the Inishfree turned Commodore Hanlon got Scout Clappertbn to make the semaphore signal: “ God speed you on your journey, and a safe return. Otago Yacht Club.” Lieutenant Evans saw and rend the message, and replied in semaphore; “Thank you very much.” I Tien the motor yacht signalled with flags: “ Otago 'Yacht Club wish you a pleasant voyage and safe return. Good-bye”; and the answering message was : “Thank you. Gpod-bye.” The Lady Roberts followed further. Before turning she fired a salute with detonating rockets, and tho officers assembled ou tho bridge sang ‘ Auld king syne.’ The last signal from the Defence vessel, made with flags, was: “Good-bye, God-speed, from Colonel Smyth and officers of the Otago district.” This was duly acknowledged. As the Terra Nova disappeared behind Taiaroa Hoad, heading S. by W. for Campbell Islands, she was still accompanied by the Amokura, This call at the Campbells depends largely on circumstances. If the weather lie favorable tho barque will stay there an hour or (wo for scientific purposes, but Captain Scott is not going to risk any loss of timo in getting down to the pack ice. It was noticed that tho Terra Nova stood a Jong way to the northward before (lorting her helm. This docs not moan that the outer bank has shifted. The explanation is that Lieutenant Evans was navigating without a pilot, and tho King's navigators always for choice take plenty of water. On the return trip of the Plucky one had time to note who were in the party. Mr W. Barclay's invitation had been accepted by the Mayois of Dunedin, West Harbor, and Mornington, the chairman of the Drainage Board, tho Chief Postmaster, tile Collector of Customs, and about fifty other representative men. At one stage of the return journey ‘A jolly goixl fellow’ was heard from the cabin, and this was taken to mean that .Mr Barclay’s health was being drunk, inquiry confirmed the supposition, and it was further said that the speech of the occasion was the. one made by Mr Richards, our town clerk. It was filling, on the wind-up to a pleasant trip, to .acknowledge the courtesy of the Harbor Boaid, the members of (bat liody, headed by Mr Barclay and Mr Blair .Mason, doing all they could to make everybody comfortable. Captain Thomson (har-bor-master) and Captain .Spence (of the tug) also put the guests under many obligations. And in our acknowledgments we should not forget Mr John Mill, for it was entirely owing to his generosity in coaling the barque that we were privileged with this visit.