LIEUTENANT STENHOUSE INTERVIEWED.

Marlborough Express, Volume L, Issue 81, 5 April 1916, Page 4

LIEUTENANT STENHOUSE INTERVIEWED.

SHORTAGE IN FOOD AND CLOTHING.

ANXIOUS MOMENTS IN THE BI« DRIFT. -

. DUNEDIN, April 5. Jr. an interview Lioutenanf Stett*'' house describes the difficulty experienced in finding suitable- landing places to establish depots when thetf first got amongst the ice. He be* came more anxious as the ico increase ed in thickness and blizzards became* more frequent. Wireless calls were* sent out each night after the him drift began in the hopo that their friends would hear them1 and know] that the ship 'was safe. Condition,** towards Christmas wsro more favorable and he was able to make jour- ■ neys from the, ship. Be witnessed! ■' the striking effects of tho enormous- ■ ice pressure.

The greatest difficulty at this period was to keep the ship clear of snow, which during*the blizzards threatens ed to bury her. Now food and clothing went short. During the last) eight mouths, by careful dieting andregular work, they prevented an outbreak of disease.

On March 10th two large ' bergs woikcd towards the ship, which wa» in great danger of being crushed between them. Steam was raised in thisendeavor to push windward of the> largest berg. After many attempts, they were successful and escaped certain destruction. The vessel proceeded' northward under steam and sail, experiencing tremendous seas, severely testing tho jury rudder which they had been using since July 12th, when*the rudder was Ripped in the crusa. of ice.

"When within 990 miles of Hobarfc our wireless signals were heard. Since>niy arrival I have been told that the Warrimoo heard our calls at a distance,; of'loQQ .miles, showing th& efficiency of our apparatus and theproficiency of our operator."