THE DISCOVERY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 December 1901, Page 3

THE DISCOVERY.

Celebrating the Final Departure

(fib fbbss association.)

Chbistohuxcb, Deo 21. Thu- Discovery this morning took' aboard her dogs and a number of live ■beep thus completing the preparations for the final departure at 11.20. Bishop Julius held a short impressive service in the men's quarters, all members of the expedition being present. Special hymns and prayers were given and the Bishop delivered a sermonetta from the text “If I wings In the morning to the uttermost parts of the sea, even there also shall thy hand lead ms, and thy right band shall hold me.” Final farewells wets thaa spoken, and at 2.10 p.m. the ▼easel got under way amidst a etorm of hearty sneering.

The vessel was accompanied down the harbour by Te Aaau, Poherua, Cygnet, Rimutaka, Delphic, and a number ot launches all gaily decked with bunting. The scene was most inspiring, bands playing, whistles shrilling, and tbe air rent with repeated cheering. At the Heads the Bingarooma and Lizard waiting, saluted the vessel with guns, the former proceeding as consort to Port Chalmers. The weather was gloriously fine and the whole ceremony was carried pff with the greatest enthusiasm.

The Discovery was appreciably deeper than when she arrived. The leakage has now almost ceased and she expects to leave Fort Chalmers finallj on Tuesday morning.