EXPLORER'S MOTHER

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1926, Page 11

EXPLORER'S MOTHER

APPEAL FOE MBS. SHACKLETON.

(From Our Own Corr«ipond«nt.) LONDON, 28th July. A pathetic appeal has been launched on behalf of Mra. Shacklcton, aged 81 (mother of the explorer) and her (laughters. Among tho signatories are Sir P. Dawson, M.P., Captain K. B. G. B. Evans, Mr. A. A. Armitage, Mr. L. p. A. Hussey, and Mr. G. S. Lysaght. The opinion 19 expressed by the "Daily Telegraph" "that the family of an Englishman who dared and accomplished so much should be placed beyond want is surely a national obligation. It will come as a shock to the public to learn, that the mother and sisters of so gallant an English gentleman as tho late Sir Ernest Shaekleton are in straitened circumstances." The signatories write: "Her husband, Dr. Shackleton, broke down in health in 1917, and had then to give up practice, From that time up to the date of Ms death the late Sir Ernest Shackleton mainly supported Ms mother and two elder sisters, and took tho house in" which they are now living. Mrs. Shackleton 'a eldest daughter is now in her 54th year, and not strong. Her next daughter ruined her health by her devoted nursing of her father, and has undergone five major operations, and also has definite heart trouble, and will never have tho strength to earn her own living. The position is rapidly becoming desperate, and it is urgently " necessary that help should be forthcoming if a home is to be kept for Mrs. Shackleton and her twp daughters. Such assistance as is now being given is not only altogether inadequate, but ceases at Mrs. Shaekelton's death, and her two daughters would then be penniless, and. this is a constant anxiety to her. "Since the inauguration of a fund to raise a memorial to the late Sir Ernest Shackleton, tho committee charged with the administration of the fund have been able to contribute from the interest received on the capital sum. Plans for the erection of the memorial are, however, now in hand, and this source of income will, consequently, cease at no distant date. In these circumstances the appeal which we now make has the hearty approval of the chairman of the Memorial Fund Committee, Lord Bonaldshay. "We confidently believe that it is only necessary for the facts to be known, and that with the help of Sir Ernest Shackleton 'a many friends and admirers sufficient funds to realise the object of our appeal will quickly be raised. Mr. Percival Hardy, of 46, Parliament street, Westminster, who is intimately acquainted with all tho circumstances, and has for some years undertaken the administration of such funds as have been available, has kindly consented to act as treasurer to the fund, and will be happy to acknowledge any sums, however small, which may bo sent to him."