CRUSTED IN ICE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 50, 2 June 1916, Page 5

CRUSTED IN ICE.

BHACKLETON AND PARTY. TWENTY-TWO MEN LEFT BEHIND ' (jNITKi) PRiSHS "»HMM:i»TJOBi.I London, June 1 . The Daily Chronicle publishes message, signed rr oiiacklctun," ami dated "Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, May 31," saying ; "I have arrived here. The Endurance was crusted in ice in the nr.ddle of the Weddel Sea on October 27, 1915. We drifted 700 miles in the ice until April 9, 1916. We landed at Elephant Tsland on April 16. I left on the 24th, leaving twenty-two men in a hole in the ice cliffs, and proceeded for help to South Georgia with five men in a 22ft. boat. At the time of leaving the island all were well, but there is urgent need for rescue."

JOURNEY IN OPEN BOAT.

THE MEN IN ROSS SEA.

London, June 1

Sir E. Shackleton's telegram reached London at midnight, and was immediately communicated to the King, who has evinced the deepest interest in the expedition, and also to Lady Shackleton and relatives of the explorer, who entertained the gravest fears for the party, owing to the absence of tidings of the Endurance. The news only became known to the public when late editions of the Daily [Chronicle were sold in the streets. The posters created a sensation among men and women going to work, and a hugt> edition was eagerly bought up. The full story of Shackleton's journey in a 22ft. boat is eagerly awaited, as it will also explain the circumstances necessitating the abandonment and failure of the trans-Polar journey. The news of the safety of Shackleton and his five companions will not lesson the public demand that everything possible shall be done on behalf of theljnem, left oh Elephant Island* in the'Ross Sea.

Mr Asquith's reply to Mr Eugene Wason, in the House of Commons, given before "Sir Ernest Shaclrteton's telegram-reached London, shows that the Government realises the necessity of immediate action, and is fully prepared to pledge the public funds. The news was received so late that it has been impossible to interview any other explorers. In the House of Commons Mr Asquith will ask Parliament, on the Army Estimates, to provide funds for the early despatch of Shackleton's relief ship.