LIEUT. SHACKLETON.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12198, 16 April 1909, Page 4

LIEUT. SHACKLETON.

ENTERTAINED BY THE CABINET.

'Per Press Association.>

WELLINGTON, April 15. Lieut. Shackleton was entertained -by the Prime Minister and Ministry at the Grand Hotel at luncheon this afternoon. Sir Joseph Ward presided, with the Hon. J. Carroll hi the vice-chair, and tho guests present included the other members of the Ministry, Mr Justice Williams, Mr Justice Denniston, Mr Justice Chapman, local members of both branches of the Legislature, and other leading citizens.

The Prime Minister proposed the health of Lieut. Shackleton, which was received with enthusiastic cheers. Sir Joseph mentioned that Lieut. Shackleton leaves 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 those associated with him, an example which was well worthy of imitation byall who might come after them. It was interesting to notice that New Zealand was made the starting point of the 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 headquarters of the expedition, and that so many relics of-the expedition had been left behind in this country. Lieut. Shackleton had overcome the difficulties of the expedition in a way that commended itself to the hearts of the people of New Zealand.

The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Sir Joseph Ward also referred t<> Lieut. Adams, who was second in command in the expedition, and wished him every success in future, and expressed the hope that future expeditions would be conducted under the same guidance. (Applause.) t

Lieut. Shackleton, who was received with loud applause, .referred in modest terms to "the little expedition" from which he had just returned, and expressed his appreciation of the goodwill icr regard to the expedition, and to the way" in which both countries ha dresponded1 financially. The expedition had not done all it wanted to do, but he paid a tribute to Captain Scott, of the Discovery, the pioneer *of such enterprisesand all associated with him in the expedition that had just been completed, and added that some of the land marks: in the Par 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. (Applause.)* Lieut. Adams also replied briefly, but with excellent effect.