SHACKLETON ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Press, Volume L, Issue 14978, 27 May 1914, Page 10

SHACKLETON ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

THE POLARIS DESCRIBED

The steamer Polaris, which has been acquired by Sir Ernest Shackle-ton for his coming expedition to the Antarctic, is a vessel of notable character.'She was built a year or two ago to tho order of a group of Polar explorers, who thought that tho idea of. BOlect cruises in the Arctic and the Antarctic regions, partly for pleasure and sport, and partly to gain : an insight into lac conditions,of Polar travel^iii the summer months, would appeal to enterprising men of wealth and leisure. Among others who took an interest in. the scheme were Dr. Nansen, Dr." Jean Charcot. Dr. W. S. Bruce,' Dr. yon Drygajski, and Captain de -Geriache, all of,them the leaders of Polar expedi-

tions. •■■'••:••-■■'•••;■' ■'■;*."•! Tho Polaris was specially designed to carry not only officers- and' crew,r but ten passengers, -f or eacb/of whom was provided a separate-cabin,; built on deck. Her. construction was entrusted to the firm of Jacobsen/of Sandefjord,-" the head of the firm -being famous -in Norway for the large number of tine, sealing vessels been launched from his yards. The vessel was built on rather finer lines than ,an.ordinary 6eAler, and; was" specially strengthened for Polar work. -■'/,-''. , .'• Of about 350 tons, the Polaris is fitted with, triple-expansion engines' of 350 h.p. Attempts were made last year to organise both Arctic and Ant&pctjic cruises along the lines indicated, but they did not meet.with success. Then it was announced that the Polaris would be used by Mr Stackhouso for his" Antarctic expedition, but Mr Stackhouse "afterwards acquired Captain Scott's old vessel, the . Now Sir Ernest Shackleton has bought the Polaris. , ' ' ' ' .