THE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12416, 11 November 1903, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

DEPARTURE OP THE MORNING. Christchurch, October 24. A fixe day favoured the departure of the Antarctic relief vessel Morning from Lyttelton 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 Christehurch. The Morning left the wharf at three o'clock, in charge of a tug, on which were the Mayors of Christehurch, 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 departing vessel moved through the Moles salutes were given with guns, rockets, and Hags, 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 Ranfurly, 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 tho Canterbury people. Mr. England, the chief officer, is recovering rapidly from the injury to his foot, and joined the vessel before her departure.