ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 21, 16 May 1914, Page 4

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

The steamer Polaris, which hag been acquired by Sir Ernest Shackleton for his coming expedition to the Antarctic, is a vessel of notable character. She was built a year or two ago to the order of a group of Polar explorers, who thought that the idea of select cruisers in the Arctic and the Antarctic regions, partly for pleasure' and sport, and partly to gain an insight into the conditons of Polar travel"in the summer months, would appeal to the .enterprising men of wealth and leisure. Among others who took an interest in the scheme wore Dr. Nansen, Dr. Joan Charcot, Dr. W. S. Bruce, Dr. Von Drygalski and Captain de Gerlache, all of them the loaders of Polar expeditions. The Polaris was specially designed to carry not only officers and crew, but ten passengers, for each of whom was provided a separate cabin, built on deck. Her construction was entrusted to the firm of Jacobsen, of Sandefjord, the head of the firm being famous in Norway for the large number of'fine sealing vessels that have been launched from his yards. The vessel was built on rather finer lines than an ordinary sealer, and was specially strengthened for Polar work. Of about 350 tons, the Polaris s fitted with triple-expansion engines of 350 h.p. Attempts were made last year to organise both Arctic and Antarctic cruises, along the lines indicated, but they did not meet with success. Then ij; was announced that the Polaris would-be used by Mr Stackhouse for his Antarctic expedition, but Mr Stackhouse afterwards acquired Captain Scott's old vessel,the Discovery. Now Sir Ernest Shackleton has bought the Polaris.