POLR EXPLORATION.

West Coast Times, 17 March 1910, Page 1

POLR EXPLORATION.

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON IN RUSSIA.

AUDIENCE WITH THE CZAR.

WELLINGTON, March 10.

Letters received by this morning’s mail state that Sir Ernest Shackleton had a remarkably enthusiastic reception in Russia. His lecture on January 25th was attended by the largest gathering of the kind over seen in St. Petersburg, there being an audience of oyer 2000 in the Alexander room of the City Hall. A great many did not understand English, but came to do honour to tire intrepid young explorre and to see the pictures taken in the heart of the Antarctic. Sir Ernest was presented with the Consthntine Gold Modal of the Geographical Society. Amongst other notables present were M. Ivoslsky, several naval and military officers, and members of the For-

eign Embassies

Sir Ernest had the honour of being received in audience by the Czar, who conferred upon him the Order of St. Anne. The Constantine Gold Medal given him by the Geographical Society has not been presented to anyone for nearly seventy years. Sir Ernest had two hour’s conversation with the Czar, whom he admired greatly. He was also charmed with the hospitality of

the Grand Duchess Mario Pavlovna, and other distinguished Russians who entertained him.