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On 17th February the following letter was received :— i " Office of the Minister of Marine, "Dear Captain Davis, — "Wellington, 17th February, 1917. " I am commissioned by the Government of New Zealand to return you their warmest thanks for the manner in which you have conducted the Relief Expedition of the 'Aurora,' despatched jointly by the Governments of Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand to the Ross Sea. The whole conduot of the Expedition has been most satisfactory to this Government, and is due, we know, to your skilful seamanship, untiring energy, and competent handling of what might have been a difficult position. " I would be glad if you would convey to your officers and to the members of the crew of the ' Aurora ' the Government's high appreciation of their services, and also the Government's hearty congratulations on having brought the Expedition to such a successful issue. " Wishing you a pleasant stay in New Zealand and a safe return to your native country, " I am, &c, "W. H. Herries, "Captain J. K. Davis, Wellington." " Aoting Minister of Marine. To this letter the following reply was made : — " Aurora Relief Expedition, 1916-17, "Sir,— "Wellington, 20th February, 1917. " I should be grateful if you would convey to the Government of New Zealand my thanks for their appreciation of the work of the ' Aurora ' Relief Expedition conveyed to me in your letter of 17th February. " The officers and men of the Relief Expedition join me in expressing gratitude to the various Departments of the New Zealand Government for the assistance given to us throughout the period of our service. " I have, &c, "J. K. Davis, " Commanding Relief Expedition. " Hon. W. H. Herries, Acting Minister of Marine, Wellington." 21st February, 1917.—A complete list of all the stores supplied to the Relief Expedition and returned to store was handed to the Secretary of Marine to-day. Authority was given by the Minister of Marine to present Mr. C. P. de la Motte with a watch, and Instructor M. H. Moyes, R.A.N., with a camera, the property of the Relief Expedition. The District Naval Officer at Sydney has been asked to supply railway passes to officers and men being returned to Melbourne. These will be chargeable to the Expedition vote. The electric generating set supplied to the " Aurora " will be shipped to Melbourne by the " Roscommon." This vessel will leave here about 24th February. All equipment supplied by the Naval Store Officer is being returned to Williamstown. A letter was written to the District Naval Officer, Port Melbourne, advising him that the officers lent to the Relief Expedition were returning to Australia. Before discharging the crew such work was carried on on the "Aurora" as was deeemed necessary —unbending sails, oleaning boiler, &0., and generally squaring up—the vessel being handed over in first-class order. " Atiroua " Relief Expedition John K. Davis, Commander. Hon. Acting Minister of Marine, Wellington. N.Z.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given : printing (l,tl(K) copies), £8 Os. Od.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.

Price 6d-]

2—H. 45.