PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE.

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1910, Page 6

PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE.

INTERESTING INFORMATION

(Our Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 23. We are all now watching with utmost interest the somewhat hurried preparations for the 'l^xra. Nova's departure on Saturday afternoon. Captain Scott ' is determined jvhat the expedition will leave Lyttelton at 'vhe due date, • and the officers, scientists, and sailors are working hard to cany out his will. . The loose g^ar and material litter ihe .decks, and all is hustle from early morning until late- at night. The people or Christchurch, apparently, have decided ihat the departure of an Antarctic exploring expedition is' one of those diings that should b € done" properly. They have already shown signs that .they will be represented on the occasion in large numbers. The Railway Department is realising that there is a feel ing abroad here and has decided to supply a special r train, on Saturday afternoon to 'take the excursionists ■to the port to see the last of the explorers. The Harbour BoafH has arranged for one of its tugs, which will carry about 300 persons, to accompany the Terra Nova up the harbour as rar as Godley Head. The Board's secretary told me w^day tha>; he had. been deluged already with applications for invitations to go on the tug. There will be no official ceremony, when 'the vessel isteams away from the wharves a.id~no speeches, but all shipping in will "be gay with flags and the steamer^ will blow, their whistles as an .expression of good "will towards itfcie istrangers wiho have spent a few weeks amongst us, and who by their geniality and good nature have .become very popular. ; To-day most of. 'the attention of. thbsp on >tne Terra Nova was- griy^en to shipping large quantities of horse ■fodder, which consists of bundles of hay speoially prepared and brought from' England.