THE NIMROD.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9100, 20 March 1908, Page 8

THE NIMROD.

A DISCONTENTED CREW. press Asst.r-iation: Christ-'divuvi). March 19. The crew cf the Nimrod, it is stated, have been any slung but contended since Captain England resigned bis position, and it was freely rumoured in Lyttelton yesterday that several of the men who accompanied him to the Antarctic regions intended to resign also. Mr Davis, the chiet officer, stated that he knew nothing concerning the matter. Two members of tbo engineroom staff would probably be leaving vessel, but be was unaware that a similar movement was to ba made by any others. He pcinred out, however, that if a member of the crew desired to be paid oil the authorities would accede to bis request. The men during tlie time the vessel is lying at Ltvreltou are receiving full wages, and it is hardly fair to the authorities in the circumstances that they had the privilege of declining to return to the Antarctic just prior to the vessel’s departure. A member of the crew stated that ’he intended to applv for his discharge, as he was “full up’’ of the whole affaif. . Two others said that if Captain England did not resume command and take the Nimrod South they would not remain with the vessel. THE CAUSE OE FRICTION. In regard to the statements concerning the crew of the Antarctic ship Nimrod, a Wanganui resident states that- when in Lyttleton a day or two ago lie conversed with several members of the vessel’s crew, who told him that the present state of affairs was due to friction between Capt. England and Lieutenant Shack - eltou. Captain England was engaged as navigation officer,but Lient Shackelton.wheu the vessel arrived at the ice, attempted to interfere witli his duties and to dictate his course. Capt. England refused to do anything but what he thought best for gthe safety of the ship, hence the trouble. The men declare themselves perfectly willing to serve under Capt. England, but did uot relish the prospect of serving under Lieut. Shackletou.