SHACKLETON'S EXPEDITION.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13470, 16 May 1914, Page 7

SHACKLETON'S EXPEDITION.

The steamer Polaris, which has been acquired by Sir Ernest Shackelton for hisi coming expedition to the Antarctic-, is a vessel of notable character. She was built a year "■ or two ago to the order of a group of Polar explorers who thought that the idea of select cruises in the Arctic and the Antartie regions, partly for pleasure and sport, and partly to gain' an insight into the conditions of Polar travel to enlr-rprising men of wealth and leisure. Among others vho took an interest in Lhe scheme wore "Dr. Nan sen, I)r Jo^in Charcot, Dr W. S. Bruce, ■!> Yon Drvgalski and Captain do Gorlache, all of them the loaders of Polar expeditions. The Polaris was specially designed to carry not only officers and crew, but ten passengers.

for each of whom was provided a separate cabin, built on deck. Her construction was entrusted to the firm of Jacobsen, of Sandefjord, the head" of the firm being famous in Norway for the large number of fine sealing vessels that have been launched from his yards. The vessel was built on rather finer lines than an ordinary sealer, and was specially strengthened for Polar work. Of about 350 tons, the Polaris is fitted with triple-expansion engines of 350 h.p. Attempts were made last year to organise both Arctic and Antarctic cruises, along the lines indicated, but they did not meet with success. Then it was announced that the Polaris would be used by Mr Stackhouse afterwould be used by Mr. Stackhouse for his Antarctic (.expedition, ' ■Jbut.. Mr. Stackhouse afterwards' acquired' Captain Scott's old vessel, the Discovery. Now Sir Ernqst Shackleton has bought the Polaris.