SHACKLETON’S RELIEF EXPEDITION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11104, 21 December 1916, Page 4

SHACKLETON’S RELIEF EXPEDITION.

DEPARTURE OF THE AURORA. Per Press Association Dunedin, Dec. 20. * In the course of a statement regarding the Aurora, Dr. MoNab said that before it was known Sir Ernest Sbackleton wonld be available, the three Governments concerned —British, Australian and New Zealand Governments—had decided that Captain Davis was to have command. Captain Davis had already been offered the command of a relieving ship by the Admiralty authorities prior to coming to Australasian waters, "and the Imperial Government laid great stress upon Cap tain Davis being in command, and Captain Davis arranged his officers accordingly. When Sir Ernest Shackel ton arrived and fonnd what had been done, be, in loyalty to Captain. Stenhonse and Worsley, ■fras unable at once to fall in the with arrangements, bat seeing the position, these two officers generously 4 came forward and relieved Sir Ernest Sbackleton of the necessity of considering their claims. The New Zealand Government regretted exceedingly that Captain Stenhonse had been prevented by circumstances from taking back the Aurora. The Minister paid tbe highest tribute to tbe abilities of both Captains Stenhonse and Davis. The Minister said he understood Captains Stenhonss and WorsliSy were going Home, offering their services to the Admiralty. He added that the British Government was paying half tbe cost of this expedition, and the Australian and New Zealand Governments weie paying the other half on a population basis.