DEATH OF SHACKLETON.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15740, 3 February 1922, Page 6

DEATH OF SHACKLETON.

iElec. Tel. Copyright—United J'rtss Assn.; \x ue Times.) (Received. February 3, 2.25 p.m.) LONDON, Feh. 2. His widow has decided that Shackleton’s remains shall be buried in South Georgia, the scene of his greatest exploit. Friends and relatives support the decision. Hussey cables the following details: “Frank I’ve terrible news for you,” wore the words with which Dr. Macklin awakened Wild aboard the Quest on January 5. “Fire away,” replied Wild. “The boss is dead,” stammered Macklin. Minutes elapsed before Wild, who was Shackleton’s dearest friend, could recover from the terrible blow sufficiently to sepak. Then ho said, brokenly, “Poor old boss, but- we must carry on the expedition. lie would have wished it.” Wild ordered all hands to assemble on the poop. Addressing them lie said : “Boys, I’ve terrible news for you.” He announced the death and then said the expedition would go on. Ilisi voice broke as bo turned away. All hands were stunned by the news. Shackleton’s diary relates how the Quest left St. Vincent in good shape en route for the Cape. Four days out engine trouble developed. They spent a day at St. Paul’s Rocks surveying. sounding, collecting birds and insects. Next day they ran into a howling gale. Shackleton was on the bridge all night long, despite Wild’s urgent requests to replace him. Great seas swept everything loose overboard. It was impossible to light the galley fire. Waves 40ft. high threatened to swamp the ship. Shackleton ordered tho helm to he lashed. Shackleton. Wild, and Worsley remained on the bridge all soaked to the skin, not dry for two days. In tho middle of the storm engine trouble became worse. The engines were stopped and they turned 1 lie Quest's head to the storm. Gunnybags filled with oil were trailed at the ship’s side. The waves were considerably lessened, but the decks were still awash and the vessel was rolling nearly 50 degrees. Ofie heavy roll upset boiling water over the foot of the cook, Green, but he carried on and made cocoa for all. The news of engine trouble was kept from the crew for fear it would produce despondence. Shackleton was cheery but looking old and worn with anxiety. Ho told Hussey he never so longed to reach port. It was llie worst storm he had ever known.

When the storm abated a, heavy sea continued to run. It was decided to postpone the Christmas dinner till the ship reached South Georgia. OB arriving t here Shackleton wont ashore and arranged with the manager of tho whaling station and friendg, lo celebrate Christmas aboard the. Quest on January 5. On the previous day parcels were opened, and a turkey and pudding prepared. During the early morning of the sth llussey awakened the cook and told him they “would . not have Christmas dinner to-day as the boss was seriously ill.” Three hours later the truth about the boss was conveyed to the crew bv Wild.

During the two days’ storm previously cabled, Shackleton had no rest oi sleep. He was worn out with anxiety. When the storm ceased lie unlashed the helm and reset the course, and then went to his cabin.

Kerr then made the discovery that water was running short and informed Wild, who waited till Shackleton’s awakened 1 before breaking the news. The leader was undismayed and proceeded to conserve the remaining water, providing half a pint daily. They were unable to wash themselves or their clothes.