ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2363, 2 December 1908, Page 5

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

NIMROD LEAVES LYTTELTON. A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER. [Press Association.] Dec.. 1. Lyttelton was semi eu fete to-day in honor of the departure of the Aimrod for the Antarctic, to pick up Lieut. iShackleton, and the remainder of the shore party left -at McMurdo Sound in February last. All shipping in port and most of the public and commercial buildings displayed flags. The mcn-of-war, tlie Powerful, Challenger, land Pegasus, being gaily dressed with hunting, in honor also of the Queens’ Birthday. The whole of the Nimrod’s company wore in the ■highest of spirits, and tliero is every possibility of the vessel returning to port some time during March or April -next. ' 'On -being seen by a. reporter, taptain Evans, commander of the Nimrod, sai-cl that bis officers and he desired to til ink the people of Ca nterbury and New Zealand generally for the "great kindnesses shown to them, and tlie cordial messages 'forwarded to them. It was quite impossible to acknowledge individual telegrams and letters, but they desired thU-t everybody concerned should accept that message as expressive of their heartfelt thanks for the good wishes expressed towards their enterprise. The following telegram was received by Captain Evans from Sir Joseph Ward just before the vessel miled: “I join ithe of the Dominion in wishing you and your officers and »uen hon voyage, ® safe passage, and a quick return. I sincerely hope that you- will find 1 Lieut. Shackleton 'and his brave men in the best of good iheHilth, and that we shall before long have the pleasure of welcoming each member of the party -back to New ■Zealand. Best washes for a successful voyage/’