RELIEF EXPEDITION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2730, 27 March 1916, Page 6

RELIEF EXPEDITION

THE CLEAR CALL OP HONOUR

(P t ec. March 26, 5.5 p.m.)

London, March 25. Vjie Aurora's misadventure is the absorbing topio. I'er inability to pick up Shackletou is almost the only contingency unforenoon. The organisation of a relief expedition in the autumn is already being considered, for even if Shackletou is meeting with insuperable harriers, and is forced to retrace liia steps to tho Weddell Sea and return to Buenos Aires, relief must he organised to rescue Captain Mackintosh and his companions. If Shackleton. succeeds in crossing the question arises of whether tho stores aro sufficient to maintain tile whole party for a- year. Lieut. Stenhouse, m his message, throws no light on what stores were landed. Presumably Captain Mackintosh in his journeys southward stocked various depots, and Captain Scott's expedition left large stores behind, which-would probably be available. Mr. Kelmie says that Shackleton will , not be short of food, as there are plenty of seals and penguins. . The "Daily Chronicle" _ interviewed Commander Evans, who said he left an abundance of food and fuel in Scott's liut at Cape Evans, but little clothing. With 'Shackleton's resourcefulness there is little doubt that the party, will /survive tho winter, providing they reach Cape Evans in reasonable health. Succour must be sent, but no ship can.reach the Ross Sea until the end of December. The vessel should leave at the beginning of August. He had every confidence that financial support would readily be found. The "Daily Chronicle" adds: "A .relief expedition is the clear call of honour, and the Government must and will step into the breach."