THE ANTARCTIC RELIEF EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12402, 26 October 1903, Page 5

THE ANTARCTIC RELIEF EXPEDITION.

DEPARTURE OF THE MORNING. | [BY TELEGRAPH.—I*KESS ASSOCIATION.] ! Christchuhch, Saturday. A fine day favoured the departure of the Antarctic relief vessel Morning from Lyitelton to-day. The residents of the port turned out en masse, and the number of spectators was largely increased by the presence of a crowd from Christchurch. Tha Morning left the wharf at three o'clock, in charge of a tug, on which were the Mayors of Christchurch, Lyttelton, and Sumner, the Harbour Board and Lyttelton Borough Council members, and about 200 guests of the Harbour Board. Every ship in port was decked with bunting, and as the departingvessel moved through the Moles salutes were given with guns, rockets, and flags, and the band played appropriate airs. The Morning was accompanied down the harbour by a crowd of launches and small boats, from which the farewells were continuous. At the heads the tug cast off, cheers were exchanged, and the band on the tug played "God Be With You." Telegrams from Lady llatifurly, Mr. Seddon, and Sir J. Ward, expressed regret at their absence. Before leaving the acting-chief officer asked a. reporter to express the warm thanks of the officers and men for their very generous treatment by the Canterbury people. Mr. England, the , chief officer, is recovering rapidly from the -injury to his foot, and joined the vessel before her departure.