ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2253, 15 October 1889, Page 3

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION

The New York correspondent of the Melbourne " Age " writ, s -.—The • nterprlse of a New York capitalist to explore tbe Antarotlo Ocean, snd approaoh ai near as may be to tbe South Poh , is taking shape, and If recent announcements are oorrect tbe ships for the expedition are already scoured. The promoter and fio»nelal backer of tbe enterprise Is Henry Vlllard, a German by birth, but for thirty years and more a resident of the Unl'ed States. He came to this country wth ▼cry few dollars m bis pocket, but wtth a good head upou his shoulders. Jodlolous nic of the brains io that head have made him several fines a millionaire, and if be wants to send an expedition to the South Pole or to the moon there is no finanolal rtaaon to aland In thn way. The expedition will be essentially German In character. It will be headed by a German aevant of eminence, and the most if not all the officers and orew will be of the fame nationality. Already there hsva bsen applications sufficient to equip a dcz3fl expeditious from men aoxhui to Uke part In the enterprlsr, and it is sa d that a considerable part of Mr Villard's daily mall consists of letters on this anbjeot. Two ships will be taken for thn expedition, and they are to be fitted up fn tbe beat known way for navigatl.g Arotlo or Antartlo waters. Tbe date of departure Is not yet fixed, or at anyrate haa not been made pablio. Yoa will probably have an opportunity to see tbe ships In Melbourne Harbor befoie 'bey go southward to battle with the ioe of tho Pole, and add te onr knowledge of tbat little known part of the world. Mr Vlllard will not personally aooompany the expedition ; his age uofiia him for active exploration lo higb latitudes, and he la far more familiar with the loebergs Mid floes of the Stock Exchange tban wUh tboto tbat abonnd In Polar waters.