SOUTHWARD HO !

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1087, 28 December 1911, Page 4

SOUTHWARD HO !

TERRA NOVA LEAVES FOR

ANTARCTICA

All hands on the Terra Nova were astir at an early hour on the 15th, at Lyttelton, making ready to go to sea. A while wisp of vapour floated !rom the steam pipe and the funnel poured black smoke, and the water swirled lazily under the vessel’s stern while the engineers were “warm-ing-up ” below and taking a turn out of the screw. The dogs lolled lazily about the decks, troubling nobody, and keeping out ol the way ot the busy crew. Preparations for departure did not appear to trouble them, their thoughts were probably of dog biscuits. The mules munched contentedly in their stall, while near by the white-coated cook bustled in and out of the galley-door, making 'ready for breakfast. The morning broke dull and cloudy, with a light northerly wind, which later veered to the nor’ west, and the sea was an oily calm. Some twenty “early birds ’ —including five or six ladies — friends ot the crew, lined the whan alongside the ship, while two or three boarded her for the trip down harbour. Farewell letters from officers and men were written and stamped and handed over to be posted after the ship had sailed. Spoken farewells and messages tor those in the Far South had been said overnight, and all hands seemed happy and ready to go. The pilot, Captain Hunter, had all mooring lines singled up when the Harbour Board tug Canterbury, came alongside at 6 o'clock. Captain Thorpe, harbourmaster, Mr G. J. Denuistou, Miss Denuiston, and Lieutenant G. Denuistou, R.N., were on board the tug, the latter being preseut to say farewell to Mr J. Denuistou, who is going South in charge of the mules and dogs. A hawser was passed on board the tug, and the bow moorings were let go, and with a touch “astern’’ on the engines, the Terra Nova swung clear of the wharf. A momentary stop to allow an incoming steamer to pass clear, and the link barque, lying low in Ihe water, swept out ot the inner harbour, the White Ensign fluttering from her peak. With engines going lull speed ahead, the Terra Nova quickly gathered way and started down harbour.

When the tug came alongside a few minutes later to take off the pilot, au officer was hastily scribbling a farewell letter on the capstan on the lo’c’s’le head. lie dashed it into an envelope, hearty handshakes were given, and “goodbyes” said, the pilot and three or four passengers jumped on board the tug, and the two vessels swung clear of each other. “ Three cheers tor the Terra Nova were given with good spirit by the party on the tug, and officers and men responded heartily. With the tug in close company, the Terra Nova made good lime to the Heads, megaphones being used on both ships in a desultory Gre ot conversation. A mile or so from the Heads, two ladies could be seen hurrying down the hillside close lo Godley Head lighthouse. They had risen in the early hours, and had walked from Sumner to wave farewell to the Terra Nova. One of them watched with eager eyes the departure of the little ship going lo the reliet of the Antarctic men, one of whom—her husband, Lieut. E. G. Evans —was lo accompany Captain Scott on his dash tor the South Pole. The ladies waved their handkerchiefs, and the officers responded liom the bridge, one more enthusiastic

than the others frantically waving a white tablecloth, probably fearing that a handkerchief was too small. Lieut. Rennicks hurried aloft, and standing in the crow's nest on the dizzy mainmast-head, joined in the farewell waving. Three farewell blasts on the tug’s whistle, and three cheers from her passengers, were answered by three ringing cheers from officers and men. The tug went full speed ahead, and passing round across the bow ot the Terra Nova, headed back to port. All alone, the Terra Nova started for the open sea. Lying low in the water, and spite of her lofty masts, she looked pitifully small, but there were stout hearts on board, and she was bearing messages from relatives and friends, news of the world, and relief to the brave men who have passed a lonely twelve mouths in the “ Heart of the Antarctic.” For a little way she headed to the north east, and then she shaped a course to carry her clear of Banks Peninsula. The vessel was out of sight by it o'clock, fairly started on her voyage south. It is possible that she may winter in the south, and uot return tor more than twelve mouths, but, all going well, the Terra Nova, with captain Scott and his men, should be back in Lyttelton next April.—Christchurch News.