Terra Nova Sails.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 2, 13 July 1910, Page 8

Terra Nova Sails.

FAREWELL SCENES AT LONDON DOCKS’. LONDON, June 3. “ God-speed, good luck, a Successful expedition, and a return to you and all the men on board.”

quarters of both officers and men look somewhat cramped though cosy. The forecastle, with the men’s hammocks, is quite as comfortable as that of a warship, and the wardroom looks very snug. A piano, with an automatic arrangenßeaU for non-players, has been placed in the ward-room, together with a library of 200 volumes. Tlie piano and books, like many other little luxuries with which the officers and men will beguile the tedium of the long Antaretie winter, are gifts. Presents have also taken the form of food and tobacco, 33,000 cigars have been sent to the Terra . .ova, and a huge ease containing half a ton of tobaeeo was taken on board. Confectionery has been received in large quantities, and among the cases taken are a number containing basinless plum pudding,. Visitors were surprised to find blocks of ice being carried on boards it seemed like carrying coals to Newcastle to take iee on an Antarctic expedition. But the explanation was simple; the ice was needed to provide the expedition with fresh meat on the voyage through the tropics. “ The crew,” said a member of it, *’ is composed of service men from the Royal Navy, and, with the exception of two or three able seamen and stokers, every man was a petty officer before he joined the Terra Nova. We signed on yesterday for a four years’ voyage. I wouldn’t have missed going for anything—not even to be married. One doesn’t get a

chance of an adventure like this often nowadays. Thousands volunteered for it, but word went round amongst the officers that such and such were go ml men, and that’s how we were chosen.” NEW ZEALAND’S CONTRIBUTION. Just before the Terra Nova left the docks, Captain Seott made a communication. to the Press, in which he said: "1 hope that the total cost of the expedition will come within my original estimate of £50,000. Of this sum it will be remembered that I asked four-fifths from this country, hoping to get the remainder from the Overseas Dominions. Personally I am not leaving England for another six weeks, my main object in re» maining being to see that the financial affairs of the expedition are in order. The only support w« have hitherto received outside this country has been from New Zealand, whose Government has contributed fl 000. I am hopeful’, how-

ever, that when I visit South Africa' and Australia, I shall be able to interest their peoples in my rau»e. Failing this the reserve certainty Wilt not suffice to complete the work of the expedition. It must be remembered that one winter in the Antaretip means two years’ absence, and, naturally, I do not want to look forward to a period of debt. As I ■have among my staff representatives of all parts of the Empire, I am very sanguine that the expedition will come to be regarded as a venture, not confined to the British Isles. It should appeal to all those who live under the British flag. “ As to the eueeess of our work, I can, only say that I am entirely satisfied with my equipment, and with the men selected to work with i>* I do n ®t think it would be possible to collect a finer and more able set of men. I feel that it Is. good to be setting forth with such good preepevts to uphold the exploring traditions of our race, and proving that tlief spirit, of enterprise is still very muchl alive.”