POLE DOUBTLESS A HICH PLATEAU.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 466, 26 March 1909, Page 6

POLE DOUBTLESS A HICH PLATEAU.

A PLACE OF BLIZZARD. London, March 24. The following is the continuation o[ Lieutenant Shackleton's narrative (partially cabled yesterday):— "Steering so'.nJi-south-e.ist, irom the dopot wo had made, after shooting the snowblind ponies, wo approached a high range of new mountains, tending south-east, and found on December 2 a barrier, influenced by pressure and ridges of snow and ico, turned into land.' " (The narrative at this point merely covers the same ground'as that telegraphed from Christchurch, down to the point where the party turned back.) At the southernmost point, latitude 88 degrees 23min., longitude 162 degrees they hoisted the Queen's Union Jack.

No Polar Calm. No mountains were visible. ' A plain stretched south. Lieutenant Shackieton says that, judging from tho violent blizzards experienced in latitude 88 degrees, if a polar calm exists it is small in area, and not coincident with the geographical pole. Tho South Pole is doubtless on a plateau 10,000 to 11,000 feet above the sea. On the roturn journey fresh severo hardships had to bo undergone, and, in addition, some of tho party suffered from dysentery, on tho slow return journey. Dr. Marshall, especially, suffered, but with relief "from tho ship all reached the hut at the Point on January 4, after a total journey of 1708 statute miles. Goal Measures. Coal _ measures were'found in limestone formation. Upwards of a hundred mountains, ranging in height from 5000 to 12,000 feet, wero seen. In eight of the ranges discovered the glaciors wore photographed. There are signs of a former greater claciation. Good zoological and geological discoveries wero made. . Lioutenant Shackieton, after again getting on board tho Nimrod, discovered from a position in latitude 69 degrees 48min., longitude 166 degrees, eleven new ranges of coast mountains, tending south-west, then west for forty-five miles beyond Capo North. CONCRATULATORY. (Special to The Dominion.) Dunedin, March ,25. At tho Harbour Board meeting this afternoon the chairman referred to the success of Liout. Shackleton's Antarctic expedition, and moved: That the board send a telegram of congratulation to him on his reaching tho south magnetic pole. , TRIBUTES TO THE EXPLORES. (Rec. March 25, 11.15 p.m.) ' London, March 25. A world-wide tributo is being paid by scientists, to tlio far-reaching' importance of Lieut. Shackleton's discoveries. His wife is overwhelmed with congratulations. Captain Scott, of Antarctic fame, in an interview, commended tho magnificent journey and the splendid bold work accomplished.

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER. At a late hour last night, Sir Joseph Ward had not received any communication from Lieutenant Shackleton, but lie has sent to him tho following message:— "I extend to you, your officers, and men, a hearty welcome back to Now Zealand. I am very glad indeed to hear 'that all is well with you. To have com© successfully through tho groat expedition that you liavo undertaken reflects the greatest credit on yourself as commander; and on behalf of my colleagues and myself, as well as the people of New Zealand, I extend my heartiest felicitations to you. I shall look forward to reading with groat interest the account of what has been undertaken by yourself and thoso associated with you in tlio interests of sciontilic research. Please accept for yourself, and convey to tho officers and men, my kindest wishes. "J. G. WARD, "Prime Minister."