HOMEWARD BOUND.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1698, 14 March 1913, Page 9

HOMEWARD BOUND.

THE TERRA NOVA. SOME DOUBTFUL ISLANDS. i LIFE IN THE SEAS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, March 12. At daybreak to-morrow morning, tlio Terra Nova will sail from Lyttelton, Homeward, bound, via Magellan Strait and Rio de Janiero, to Cardiff, wliich will be lier first port of call in the Homeland. .In accordance with a promiso made when, the little ship started out on her three years' voyage in 1910, Liontenant H. L. L. Pennell, R.N., says "Sie Terra Nova, will proceed on a composite great circle track between Lyttelton and Magellan Strait, taking her on the parallel of 59 degrees south. This will carry her closo past the Bounty Islands, 47 degrees 44 minutes south latitude, 179 degrees 7 minutes east longitude, and also close past the supposed position of the Nimrod Group. It is hoped, if tho weather conditions are favourable, to take a series of soundings after clearing the Bounty Islands, with the object of determining the edge of the "continental shelf." If possible, soundings will be taken near it given position of the Nimrod Group, und it is also intended to run about fifteen, miles northward of the reported position of Dougherty Island, in the Southern Ocean, sounding again, as opportunity- offers and weather permits, doubtful islands. Special interest attaches to this part of the Terra Nova's wo.rk, as. the. existence of the _ Nimrod Group and Dougherty Island since they were first reported has been regarded ns doubtful. The position of the Nimrod Group is given as 57 degrees south latitude, 157 degrees 30 minutes west longitude, while the Dougherty Islands are to be in about 5!) degrees south latitude, and about 119-120 degrees west longitude. On th©:. Homeward ipassage of the Nimrod (Shackleton's expedition) in 1909 a search was made for both of these islands without success. Biological Work. As opportunity offers, it is proposed to do some traw'ing, and to, take some "water-bottle" stations. Mr. Nelson, one of the biologists, explains that a specially fitted bottle : with thermometer attached for accurately recording water temperature is used to take samples of water for tho purpose ,cf ascertaining whether it contains plankton (minute organisms), which form the food of fishes and other sea life. Plankton subsists on diatoms, minute vegetable life, which) depends for its existence in turn on the salts, in water. An analysis of these samples of water will bo made for tho purpose of tracing the movements of animal and vegetable life in the seas which also depend on the movements of tho water. Tho conditions under which plankton and diatoms exist, with temperatures and solidity of water in varying latitudes and depths afford valuable data for tho study of higher forms of sea life, including fishes and whales, and would be of great economic value. Tho Final Stage. According' to present arrangements, tho Terra 'Nova will leave Punta Arenas on April 24, liio de Janeiro on Hay 23, ami will arrive at Cardiff about July 10. .It is hoped to make a quick passage, and tho vessel will not bo able to wait for sounding or collecting work unless tho weather is favourable. The Terra Nova has sufficient coal on board to carry her under steam all the way to Rio do, Janeiro, but.she will, of course, use her sails'whenever the winds are favourable. Allowing .120 milc3 a day, with twelve days' atop at Kio de Janeiro, tho Terra Nova will cover the total distance of U2;500 miles to Cardiff in 89 days. Her subsequent movements will depemfon arrangements made by Commander E. E. G. It. Evans, who is leaving Sydney l«. day by tho Otranto for England. The Sledge Dogs. Several of the sledge dogs brought back from the Antarctic in the Terra Nova aro already on their way to England 'tinder the charge of members of the expedition, who are returning home by mail stealers, and who selected their favourite dogs, as pets. One or two have been given, to friends of members of the expedition, and the remaining eleven, which have been on Quail Island since their arrival in Lyttelton, will go to England in tho Terra Nova. They will be chaincd on top of the icehouse, but wily old Czigane, who was. invalided back to New Zealand in 1911, will as usual have tho run of the ship. He is a good tempered dog, and is a great favourite ,of the officers and men. Music for the Voyage. A fine pianola, which was presentel ti. the expedition by. Messrs. J. Broadwood and Sons, of London, and which was for over two years in tho hut at Captain Scott's base in the Antarctic, was brought back to Lyttelton by tho Terra Nova, but it suffered some damage by water on the voyage back. After being overhauled and repaired in'Christehurch it was taken on board the Terra Nova yesterday morning, and after much manoeuvring it was got in through a narrow doorway, and lowered into the ward room. In spite of its voyagings, rough handlings, and its two'years' service in the Antarctic, tho instrument, since its overhaul, is in splendid playing order, and will help to beguile the watch below on many nights of the Homeward passage. Electric Light, A small dynamo run by a petrol engine, which was also brought back from the Antarctic, has been installed in a house on deck, and will be used for electrically lighting tho ward room and cabins. A trial run last night with a number of lamps in the ward room was a complete success, and the clear white light .was a big improvement on that of the oil lamp hitherto used. FAREWELL TO NEW ZEALAND. Christchurch, March 13. ' The Terra Nova left Lyttelton at daybreak tliis morning on her return journey to England, accompanied down the;harbour by tho Harbour Board's tug, containing a party who had stayed at Lyttelton overnight to see the vessel off. Wiicu the Terra Nova left tho wharf, f hi officers and crew gave three rousing cheers for Diinitri, who is remaining in New Zealand, having entered the service of Mr. J. J. Kinsey. The ship, once outside the heads, went round to Sumner, where, as a fitting'finale' to the visit of the expedition to New ./enland,, the ship's flag was dipped "in; farewell to Mr. Kinsey, who replied by dipping the fla» at his residence at Clifton. From the ship there caino a salute of tlio guns, and a few minutes after seven o'clock the Terra Nova headed for the sea on her return passage to England. This little expression of thoughtfulness is of more than passing interest, for Mr. Kinsey's residence at Clifton, as well as his town house, is closely connected with Captain Scott, who with Mrs. Scott and many members of tho expedition spent many happy days thero whilst final preparations were bping made for the departm-o of the expedition.