SHACKLETON EXPEDITION.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5447, 2 June 1916, Page 5

SHACKLETON EXPEDITION.

SHIP DRIFTED FOR MONTHS.

FIVE MEN IN 22-ft BOAT.

Electric Telegraph—Press Association.

OoDvricht-

London, Last Night. The “Daily Chronicle” publishes a message signed "Schackleton,” dated Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, May 31, which says: “I have arrived here. The Endurance was crusted in the middle of the Weddel Sea on October 27th 1915, and drifted seven hundred miles in ice until April 9. 1916. We landed at Elephant Island on April 16th. I left on April 24th, leaving twenty-two men in a hole in the ice cliffs and proceeded for help to South Georgia, with nve meu in a twenty-two foot baai. ai the time of leaving the island all were well, but there is urgent need for a rescue expedition.” (Elephant Island is a small island, close to Graham Land, part of the great Antarctic Continent.)

SENSATION IN LONDON

RELIEF. TO BE ORGANISED

London, Last Night. Sir Ernest Shackleton’s telegram reached London at midnight, and was -mmediately communicated to the King, who evinced the deepest interest in the expedition. It was also communicated to Lady Shackle ton and relatives of the explorer, who had entertained the gravest fears for the party owing to the absence of tidings of the Endurance. The net vs was only known to the public when the late editious of the “Daily Chronicle” were .sold in the streets. The posters created a sensation among men and women going to work. A huge edition was eagerly bought up. The full story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s journey in a twenty-two foot boat is eagerly awaited, also an explanation of the circumstances necessitating the abandonment and failure of the trans-polar journey. The news of the safety of Shackleton and his five companions does not lessen the public demand that everything possible should l>e done on behalf of tbe men left on Elephant Island. in the Ross Sea. Mr Asquith’s reply to Mr Eugene Wason in the House of Commons was given before Shackleton’.s telegram reached London.' It shows that the Government realises the necessity of immediate action and is fully prepared to peldge the funds. The news was received so late that it was impossible to interview explorers, including Sir Douglas Mawson.