Received is 10d

Levin Daily Chronicle, 24 February 1917, Page 3

Received is 10d

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON'S WAGES. RECEIVED—Is 10d. Two quiet, unassuming men with the unmistakable air of "seafarer" written large upon them walked into the Government shipping office in the Customs Buildings (says the Evening Post, Wellington). One of theiri was the purser of the Antarctic exploring ship Aurora, and under his arm he carried the ship's articles wherein his companion was described as "Ernest Shackleton, supernumerary officer" of the 6liip. The usual formalities were gone through, and then the purser of the Aurora gravely handed his superior officer the sum of one shilling and tenpence, "being seven weeks' wages due." Sir Ernest just as gravely received it, and placed it in one of his pockets. Then a broad grin appeared on his face, and the onlookers, who were doing tneir best not to laugh during the transaction, followed suit. "Do you know," said the explorer. "this is the fiirst money I have earned for quite a time?"

The explanation "is simple. Sir Ernest Shackleton, when lie joined the Aurora prior to her departure from New Zealand, signed on the articles as supernumerary officer—a purely nominal position. Being on the articles he liiad to be paid some wages sat they were fixed at" Is per month. Thus, as the ship was away nearly two months he was entitled to draw 1b 10d.