THE NIMROD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 242, 6 October 1908, Page 2

THE NIMROD.

PREPARATIONS FOR 11EU HETUttS TO THE ANTARCTIC. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. The British Antarctic expedition shi[ Nimrod has for some time past been undergoing a thorough overhaul in vie A of her early departure from Lyttelton to bring back Lieutenant Shacklcton and his colleagues from the Far South Every part of the vessel has received attention, and in the ,word s oi one pi the crew, she is now a much better ship than when she left London. New stays and runuing gear have been extensively installed, the whole of this work having been carried out by two members of the NiniroiPs company. The foredeck lias been sheathed with 2'/ v inch timber, which will serve to still'eu that portion ot the vessel and ensure cverythiii" being kept dry. Down below in the crew's quarters portion of the hold has been taken in to provide sufficient accommodation for the .shore party on til" return voyage, room being also available for the treatment of cases of sickness. On the last journey down, it will be remembered, much discomfort was expciienced by .those on board owing to the woeful lack of room ou the outward trip. Thi s extra space will be utilised for stowing cases of provisions, audi these will be transferred to the hold .is the coal supply goes. It is intended to take down sufficient stores for thirtyeight men (the number including the whole of the ship's company and the shore party) for twelve mouths. Provisions were lauded from the Nimrod at tile beginning of the year to sufflse tan exploring contingent for two years. Supplies selected at Home by Mr. licid, to the extent of CO tons, are coming out l.y the Tougariro, in addition to winch considerable supplies will be procured in New Zealand. Some '3OO tons oi coal will also be taken down. The Nnnrod will be placed in commission during the lirst week in November, and is due to sail for the Frozeu South on Ist December. Captain Evans, who i* lo take command, is at present in Sydney undergoing his Royal Naval Re>ci\e training, as also is Mr. Macintosh, second officer. Both, with Dr. Michell, Vho is spending a holiday in New South I\ales, are expected to return to Lyttel■on during the course of the next three j veeks, when the whole of the shin's I oinpany will assemble and the finishing I ouches be applied to the preparations i or the second southern journey c The departure of the Niiurod early In i leceinber instead of in January 'has < een arranged in order to economise c Ml as much as possible, in case she is i impelled to winter in the south. Six c i aeven weeks are allowed for the vo\>- t }«, and it is anticipated that the vcsH a ill sail nearly the whole distance The b 'leiititie stair will not bo idle oil ll,e U ■nieward run. A special room has bwn V aside tor ornithological work, and p ortly before leaving a comprehensive I lection ot birds will he taken aboard be skinned- and prepared on the joiK- tl l> up. Iwo large tanks will also be si ken down and jt is hoped by the u<e A these to bring back a number of penins and young seals alive.

CABLE NEWS

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Oomt* right.)