ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2078, 2 January 1908, Page 2

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

FRENCH EXPEDITION NEXT YEAR. United Press Association —Copyright (Received Jan. 1, 10.3 a.m.) PARIS, Dec. 31. Doctor Jean Charcot, in July, leads m Antarctic expedition to Graham’s Land, hoping to reach Alexander Land, thence proceeding southwards, using motor-sledges. Ho expects the French Chamber of Deputies to vote 300,000 francs, the public subscribing 150,000 francs. GREAT (SEND-OFF TO THE NIMROD. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 1. The departure of the Nimrod formed the principal event at the Lyttelton regatta to-day, and many thousands of people attended the regatta simply for the sake of seeing the vessel leave. All day long final preparations were being made, and punctually at 4 o’clock the lines were cas'b off, and the vessel left the wharf to the farewell cheering of immense crowds of people. The different vessels in port blew their syrens simultnneousfyr and for some minutes the noise was deafening. The Nimrod proceeded down the harbor under her own power, and wt.s accompanied by tlie tug, several excursion stea Tiers all crowded with passengers, and a fleet of small craft. Salutes were fired from the fort guns, and three thunderous cheers were given by the men-o’-warsmen on the Pyramus' and Powerful, which were-lying at anchor near the Heads. The towing ropes from the Koonya, which is to tow.the Nimrod down to the pack ice, were adjusted when the Heads were reached, and after a final cheer from those on the escorting steamers and exchange of maritime courtesies, the Koonya with the-Nimrod in tow headed for the south, and tlie other vessels returned to Lyttelton. The send-off is claimed to be tlie greatest yet accorded to any vessel leaving a New Zealand port.