NIMROD EXPEDITION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13879, 16 April 1909, Page 5

NIMROD EXPEDITION.

COMPLIMENTARX LUNCHEON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 15. Lieut. Shackleton was entertained by the Prime Minister, and the Ministry at luncheon this afternoon. The Prime Minister proposed the health of Lieut. Shackleton, which was received with enthusiastic cheers. Sir Joseph mentioned that Lieut. Shackleton left New Zealand for the Old Land to-morrow, and they desired to wish him good health and a safe return to those near and dear to him. The Premier made reference to the intrepidity shown by Lieut. Shackleton and these associated with him —an example which was well worthy of imitation by all who might come after them. It was interesting -to notice that New Zealand was made tho starting point of tho expedition, which was the first expedition embarked upon without all the necessary funds being available. New Zealanders were also proud that Lyttelton had been made the headqiiarters of the expedition, and that so many relics of the expedition had been left behind in this country. Lieut. Shackleton had overcome tho difficulties of the expedition in a way that commended itself to the hearts, of the people of New Zealand. Sir J. G. Ward also referred to Lieut. Adams, who was second in command in the expedition, and wished him every success in', the future, and expressed a hope that future expeditions would bo conducted'under the same guidance, Lieut. Shackleton referred in modest terms to the ; 'little expedition" from which he had just returned, and ex-pressed-his ■ appreciation of the goodwill shown by Australia and New Zealand in regard to the expedition, and to the way in which both countries had responded financially. The expedition bad not done all it wanted to do. He paid a tribute to Captain Scott, of the Discovery, the pioneer of such enterprises, and all those associated with him in. the expedition that hull just been completed, and added that some of the landmarks in the far .south would be named in such a way as to perpetuate a knowledge of the country which had treated them with such consideration, and given them such hearty support. Lieut. Adams also replied brief!v, but with excellent effect.