THE NIMROD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8539, 20 March 1908, Page 8

THE NIMROD.

RUMOURS OF FRICTION. Per WANGANUI, March 20. In regard to the statements concerning ( ' the crcw of the Antarctic ship Nimrod, j a Wanganui resident states that, when " : in Lytelton a day or two ago, he conl ; versed with several members of the vessel's crcw, who told him that the whole presont 6tato of affairs was duo to friction between Captain England and Lieutenant Shacklcton. Captain England was engaged as navigating officer, but Lieutenant Shackleton, when the vessel arrived at the ice, attempted to interfere with his duties and dictate his course, j Captain England" refused to do anything l but what ho himself thought best for I j the safety of the ship, hence the trouble. The men declaro themselves perfectly S willing to serve under England, but did > | not relish the prospect of serving under Lieutenant Shackleton. ! TIRED OF ANTARCTICA. , , CHRISTCHURCH, March 1& The crew of tho Nimrod. it is stated, have been anything but contented since i | Captain England resigned his position, ; j and it was freely rumoured in Lyttel- . ■ ton to-day that several of the men who j accompanied him to the Antarctic regions intend to resign. Mr Davis, chief officer, stated that he knew nothing concerning tho matter. • Two members of tho engine-room staff ■ would probably bo leaving the vessel, but he was unaware that a similar movement was to bo made by any others. Ho . pointed out, however, that if any niem- - ber of tho crow desired to bo paid off. the authorities would accede to the request. Tho men during the time tho vessel is lying at Lyttelton are receiving , full wages, and it was hardly fair to the authorities in the circumstances. ' Thoy had had tho privilege of declining > to return to Antarctica just prior to the vessel's departure. A member of tho crew stated that he intended to apply for his discharge, as ho was " full up " of the whole affair. Two others said that if Captain England did not resume command and take the Nimrod south they would not remain with tho vessel.