WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2067, 19 December 1907, Page 1

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

(Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 17. Lieut. iShackleton, leader of the .British Antarctic expedition, to-night drew -together the 'largest audience that has ever assembled in AVellington. The great hall in the Town Hall building was crammed to the doors, many people having to stand, while others were content with seats behind the lantern screen whore they could hear the lecture, but not see the magnificent views with which the lecture was illustrated. Leiut. Shackleton gave a vivid description of the Discovery expedition and some (interesting details of the expedition which is about to start from Lyttelton. Whether they get to the South Pole or not, he said, lie felt confident they would do a great deal of scientific work /that would be of value to the world. Every man connected with the expedition was- doing and would he felt sure continue to do his utmost to make it a success. In conclusion he paid a graceful tribute to tlio Commonwealth and the Dominion of New Zealand for the support thev had accorded him. This,’ he said, would be a great ■encouragement to the members of the expedition cud to those who were generously supporting it in the Motherland. .During the course of his uuodest hut graphic narrative Lieut. Shackleton was frequently interrupted by biirs's of loud appl rise and at the conclusion of his address the large audience ■rose and heartily cheered him. It is understood that 'Mr Arthur Stubbs, deputy registrar of the Supreme Court at Dunedin is to be transferred to AVellington, replacing Air AV. H. Hawkins, who has been appointed registrar at Dunedin. Tie members of the legal profession intend to make a presentation to A r Hawkins before ho leaves.

Air L. E. Ay son, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, will shortly leave Wellington to superintend the erection of a shed at Lake Te Allan in which will be hatched out the Atlantic salmon ova which is being obtained from Canada. The young fish will ho liberated in the AVaiau river. Mr Eairchikl, son of the late Cant. Fairchild, has resigned the position of accountant to the Eastern Extension Cable Coy at Hong Kong. Air Fairchild is n't present on a visit to ■ AVellington.