LIEUT. SHACKLETON FAREWELLED

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 68, 16 April 1909, Page 2

LIEUT. SHACKLETON FAREWELLED

IvNTEKTAINLD PA TIL2 MINISTRY'. | By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Lieut, Shackleton was entertained by the, Prime Minister and members of the .Ministry at the Grand Hotel at luncheon this afternoon. Sir Joseph presided, with lion. J. Carroll in the vice-chair, and the guests present included other members of the Ministry, Mr, Justice Williams. Mr. Justice Denniston, Mr. Justice Chapman, local members of both branches of the legislature, and other leading citizens. The Prime Minister proposed the health of Lieut. Shackleton, which was received with enthusiastic cheers. Sir Joseph mentioned that Lieut. Shackleton leaves New Zealand for tlie Old Land to-morrow, and they desired to wish him good health and a safe return to those near and dear to him. The premier made reference to the intrepidity shown by Lieut. Shackle'ton and those associated with him, an example which -was well worthy of imitation by all who might come after them. It was interesting to notice, that New Zealand was made the starting point of an expedition which was the lirst. ex|«'dition embarked upon without all the necessary funds being available. New Zealandcrs were also proud that Ijytleltou had been made the headquarters of the expedition, and that ho many relics of the expedition had been left behind in this country. Lieut. Shackleton had overcome the difficulties of the expedition in a way that commended itself to the hearts of the people of New Zealand. The toast was drunk with musical honors. Sir Joseph Ward also referred to Lieut. Adams, who was second in command of the expedition, and wished him every success m the future, and expressed the .hope that future expeditions would be conducted under the same guidance. (Applause). Lieut. Shackleton, who was received with loud applause, referred im modest terms to ."the little expedition" from which ho had jus't returned, and expressed his appreciation of the goodwill in regard to tlie expedition, and to the way in which holh countries Imd responded financially. The expedition had 'not done al'l it wanted to do, but he paid a tribute to Captain Scott, of the Discovery, the -pioneer of such enterprises, and' all thus- associated with him, in the .expedition that had just been completed, and ndded that some of the landmarks in the Far South would be named in such a way as to -perpetuate a knowledge of the country which had treated them with such consideration, and given them such hearty support. (Applause). Lieut. Adams also replied briefly, but with excellent effect.