THE DISCOVERY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 297, 23 December 1901, Page 2

THE DISCOVERY.

A HEARTY SEND-OFF TO THE EXPLORERS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night. The Discovery yesterday morning took aboard her dogs and a number jf livo sheep, thus completing tho preparations for her final departure. At half-past eleven Bishop Julius held a short and impressive service ill the men’s quarters, all tho inembor3 of the expedition being present. Special hymns were sung and prayers offered. Tho Bishop delivered an excellent sermon from

tho text, “ If I take wings in tho morning andremainintheuttermostparlsof the sea, even there also shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.” Final farewells were spoken, and at ten minutes past two the vessel got under way, amid a storm of hearty cheering. The Discovery was accompanied down the harbor by the To Anau, Poherua, Cygnet, Rimutaka, Delphic, and a number of launches, all gaily decked with bunting. Tho scene was most inspiriting, bands playing, whistles thrilling, and the air being rent with repeated cheering. At the heads H.M.S. Ringarooma and Lizard were waiting. They saluted the vessel with guns, and the former proceeded as a consort to Port Chalmers.

The weather was gloriously fine, and the whole ceremony was carried out with the greatest enthusiasm. The Discovery was apparently deeper than when she arrived. The leakage has now almost ceased. It is expected that the vessel will leave Fort Chalmers finally on Tuesday morning.