THE AURORA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11755, 20 July 1916, Page 3

THE AURORA.

PRCGOS.OF REPAIR WORK. The Hon Dr M'Nab, in his capacity of Minister of Marino, paid" a visit of inspecton to the Aurora on Tuesday, says tho " Ota go Daily Times." The Aurora is at present in the small dock at Port Chalmers, and is being prepared to proceed as soon as possible to attempt the relief of the men on Elephant Island, and, as soon as the summer is sufficiently advanced to permit of it, to proceed tnrough the ice to the Antarctic to rescue tne men left there. The vessel, winch suffered badly in tho souUi, is in need of very extensive attention, and this she is receiving, the expense beng borne half by the iiritish Government and tho otiier half by the Commonwealth and 2\ew Zealand Governments on a population basis, New Zealand's share thus amounting to about one-eighth of tho whole. \\ hat tne amount will be cannot yet be toiu. Everything necessary is being done, with the result that the Aurora will boas good! a ship as when built> or, as Air John Aiill said, even better. IS early 100 men are engaged on the work, the object being to get her ready for sea at the earliest moment. If more could be got, a month might see her away, but the present prospects are that about six weeks will be necessary. Dr IvL'Xab displayed the greatest interest in tho vessel, and saw all that was to bo seen, Captain Stenhouse taking him all over the ship and giving some excellent descriptions of what she had come through. Particular interest was displayed by the Minister in the jury rudder. Messrs J. J. Kinsey, of Christchurch, and Mr John Mill, of Port Chalmers —the Committee of Management appointed in New Zealand —are personally giving the greatest attention 10 tho boat. Captain Stenhouse has undertaken to return to the south, and' it ks not anticipated that tliero will be any difficulty about a crow, most of the men being willing to return, the more so as they have received the money due to the'm for their previous service, and have a certain prospect for the future. The Aurora is a splendid piece of workmanship, her substantial build being much commented upon by those who have undertaken the superintendence of her retitting. The ribs are only 3in apart, giving practically i; solid wall of 2ft in thickness. All the binding bolts have been knocked out and renowed, and the anchors, engines, deck equipment and all else is being renewed' and supplemented without stint. The boat willbe provisioned for eighteen months, though there is not the slightest reason to siTppose tlrat she will not get back before the ice begins again to bind. Captain Stenhouea is most optimistic as to the outcome of th« relief voyage.