ROYAL MASCOT FOR SIR E. SHACKLETON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 178, 2 September 1914, Page 9

ROYAL MASCOT FOR SIR E. SHACKLETON.

i •—; QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S GIFT TO THE EXPLORER, Queen Alexandra paid a visit of inspection recently to the West India Dock to the Endurance, the vessel in which Sir Ernest Shaekleton and his party intend to make the sea passage. Her Majesty was accompanied by the Empress Marie Feodorovna of Bussia, Princess Victoria, Admiral Lord Fisher, and others. The ship was gaily '' dressed'' for the occasion. Sir Ernest Shackleton called special attention to those who? had accompanied him en a former expedition. To these Queen Alexandra talked for some time, putting many questions. Sir Ernest expected • that the Royal ladies would hardly care to go below, but they insisted on doing so, Queen Alexandra remarking, "I am going to see everything. '' So great w r as her interest and so thorough her examination, that the •visit,~"originally intended to last but half an hour," extended to nearly an hour and a-half. At the close Queen Alexandra made a very interesting present to Sir Ernest Shackleton in wishing him and his comrades all success and a safe return. The gift toek the form of two flags and a mascot. The flags were of silk, and one of them was her Majesty's own personal standard, while the other was the Union Jack. The mascot is a beautiful medallion in enamel surrounded by crystal. The design represents St. Christopher (understood by the recipient to be the patron saint of j Denmark). Sir Ernest heartily thanked her Majesty for her gifts, and said these interesting souvenirs would be carried with him throughout his joumeyings, to be brought safely back (as he devoutly hoped) after a journey that, in its entirety, had never before been attempted by any human being.