SHACKLETON’S MEN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 145082, 6 September 1916, Page 2

SHACKLETON’S MEN.

RESCUED AT EAST* FROM ELEPHANT ISLAND. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON. Sept, 4. Sir E. Shacklcton’s despatciTTo tho Daily Chronicle from iPunta Arenas on September 3 states that his_ fourth attempt to rescue his comrades on Elephant Island succeeded, and that all had arrived safe and well. On this occasion lie sot a course to enable tho Yelcho to approach the island from the north-west, and the ice having worked towards tho north-east, he reached Wild’s camp on August 30, after steering in a_ fog through numerous stranded icebergs. They immediately started the return journey. “With Wild,” .says Sir E. Shackleton, “lies the credit'of having kept the party together in strength and safety under the moat trying and difficult conditions. I cannot sneak too highly of Crean and Worsley, who have seen things through with me.” Following is Wild’s report: On April 25, the day after the departure of the boat the island was best with dense pack ice, and the party was confined to a narrow spit of land 250 by 40 yards, surrounded by inaccessible cliffs, laden with ice. 1 was forced to abandon the ico -house, the snows making it untenable. Ouy mode of dwelling was two boats supported by rocks as far as practicable from the sea. The weather continued appalling, anft the vitality of the whole party was lowered by’exposure. Blackboros, Hudson, Grccnstreet and Dickenson were ill, and several others were frostbitten. A blizzard in May swept much valuable gear to sea, and wo were in danger of being swept away by the heavy seas due to the blizzard blowing at iO miles an hour. Fortunately an ico foot formed on the seashore, and this protection meant the saving of ns from total destruction. The adjacent glaciers calved on several occasions, _ causing heavy waves, and blocks of ico were Once hurled within 15 feet of our dwelling. We drastically economised m food, and had only one hot meal daily until we had strengthened onr reserve of blubber. Tho valuable stock of bovril rations was yised for two meals The season was lato, and so wc were kept in anxiety regarding our _ meat supply, but periodically replemsned it with small penguins. Seals wore unable to land owing to the ice-foot. There was less wind from June onwards. but we wore under constant hail, fog and snow. Blackboros had his toes amputated. . , , The three previous at relict sychconised with tho tinu's. that the island was beset with ico. We were able to collect seaweed and limpets !fe the beginning of August, providing a valuable change of diet. The heavy seas and ice prevented fishing. The r.nle on the 28th drove tho pack from the island, and through the lifting fog on tho 30th wo saw the Yelcho approaching. I wish to place on record the good moral of the entire party.

WHERE THE PLUCK'CAME IN. NO APPARENT HOPE OF RESCUE. (Received September 6, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 5. Wilds’s party thought Shackleton was dead, and' did not expect to be rescued. SHACKLETON’S NEXT VENTURE. (Reuter.) (Received September 6, 'ToO a.m.) LONDON, Sent. 5.' It is expected'that Sir E. Shackleton will proceed to Australia via England, to 'command the Aurora foe the rescued of the men marooned, on the coast of the Ross Sea. ’