TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1914, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

FOR 'THE, ANTARCTIC,

The steamer Polaris, which has been acquired by Sir Ernest Shackleton for his coming expedition to the Antarctic, is a vessel of notable character. She vvas built a year or two ago to the order of a group of Polar explorers, who thought that the idea of select cruises in the Arctic and the Antarctic regions, ' partly'for pleasure and sport, and part-; ly to gain an insight into the conditions of Polar travel in the summer months, would appeal to enterprising men. of wealth and leisure. Among others who took an interest in the scheme were Dr. Nansen, Dr. Jean Charcot, Dr. W. S. Bruce, Dr. Yon Drygalski and Captain de Gerlaehe, all of them the leaders of Polar 'expeditions. The Polaris was specially designed to carry, not only officers ,and crew, but ten passengers, for 'each of whom was provided a separate cabin, built on deck.. ..Her construction was entrusted to the firm of Jacobsen, of Sandefjord, •th© head of the firm being famous in Norway for the large number of fine sealing vessels that have been launched from his yards. The vess-el was built on rather finer lines than an ordinary sealer, and was specially strengthened for Polar work. Of about 350 tons, the is fitted. "witH triple-e2cpa.ll--sion engines of 350 hp. Attempts were made last year to organise both Arctic and Antarctic cruises, along the lines indicated, but they did not meet with success. Then it was announced that the Polaris would be Mr Stackhouso for his Antarctic expedition, but Mr Staekhouse afterwards acquired Captain old vessel, the Discovery. Now SiFErnest Shackleton has bought the Polaris, '■ , '■ J ..■ ■ ,