THE ANTARCTIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 36

THE ANTARCTIC.

NIMROD LEAVES LYTTELTON. CHRISTCHURCH, December 1. Lyttelton was en fete to-day in honour of the departure of the Nimrftd for the Antarctic to pick up Lieutenant Shackleton and the remainder of the shore party left at M'Murdo Sound in February last. All the shipping in port and most of the public and commercial buildings displayed flags, the flagsfcp Powerful, H.M.S. ChaU lender, and H.M.S. Pegasus being gaily dressed with bunting in honour also of the Queen's birthday. The whole of the NimTod's company were in - the highest spirits. There is every possibility of the vessel returning to port some time during March or April next. , On being seen by a reporter, Gapt£in Evans said that his officers and he desired to thank the people of Canterbury and of New Zealand generally for the great kindness shown to them and the cordial messages forwarded to them. It was quite impossible to acknowledge individual telegrams and letters ; but they desired that everybody concerned should accept that message as expressive of their heartfelt thanks for the good wishes . expressed towards their enterprise. i - The following telegram was received by lieutenant Evans from Sir Joseph Ward just before the vessel sailed: — "I join the citizens of the Dominion in wishing you, your officers, and men bon voyage, a safe ] passage, and a quick Teturn. I sincerely hope that you will find Lieutenant Shackleton and his brave men in the best of good health, and that we shall before long | have the pleasure of welcoming each member of the party back to New Zealand. Best wishes for a successful voyage.*' The .Nimrod and the expedition have been made the recipients of an unexpected compliment. A day or two ago a proud mother took an infant down to the ship, and holding it •Hip for those on board to see, announced m a loud voice : " His Christian name is Nima-od Shackleton." A PROaRiii~REPORT. CHRISTCHURCH, December 4. j The Nimrod took with her several homing pigeons from the Lyttelton Times loft. One returned yesterday, . having been sent away when the vessel ', was 90 miles at sea, and at daylight this morning a second bird arrived. It was , despatched from the steamer yesterday i in latitude 46deg S., longitude 172deg 3min E. The message reads :—: — Fine weather and light winds havecontinued since leaving. All well. Satisfactory progress. The ship's company appreciate the kindness of the ] send-off. — F. P. Evans, master. I When this message was despatched the steamer was about 10 miles south of Dunedin and 80 miles off shore.