POLAR EXPLORATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1916, Page 5

POLAR EXPLORATION.

THE SHACKLETON EXPEDITION^ „ EXPERT OPINIONS, • NO CAUSE FOR ANXIETY, ; By Cable.—Press Association—Copyright London, March 28. Lieutenant Gran, a member of ScoH'ft expedition, has offered to join the HOtf ship to tho Ross Sea The Daily Chronicle publishes mes-< sages from various explorers. Captain Amundsen says that if Shackleton has reached McMurdo Sound he will be safe for another year. Considering that there are two parties, and their commanders, he does not think people should be over-anxious. He thinks a powerful vessel should be mbs in December. Admiral Peary assumes that Captain Mackintosh would obtain a supply of seal meat during the summer sufficient for the party until next year. If Shackleton has crossed the Antarctic Continent his experience and resourcefulness should ensure the safety of alt in the Ross Sea region. A relief ship must be fitted out and remain south until next season. He is not inclined to bo pessimistic. Dr. Nansen says it is too late in the season for sending a new ship south this spring and thinks there cannot be a rescue before next season. He sees no risk* in wintering, as, besides provisions, there are plenty of seals; therefore he look* with confidence for Shackleton's safe rw turn next season.

COMMANDER EVANS VIEW, NOT MUCH CAUSE FOR ANXIETY* BUT RELIEF SHOULD BE SENT^ Received March 30, 8.55 p.nfc London, March 29. Commander Evan9, in an interview, said that probably Lieutenant Stenhoiiße. had selected Hie Aurora's winter quarters northwtrd of Cape Evans, where she would be most sheltered from the southerly winds. Mackintosh would not return there immediately, but would prepare to succour Shaekleton. He had probably made two sledging journeye to the bluff, and was unlikely to return to Hut Point until late in March. The weather would prevent him going southward after the first of April, and he would therefore remain at Hut Point until probably the middle of May, when he would possibly go to Cape Evans and then find that the Aurora had gone. He may have remained at Hut Point, otherwise the entire party, including the four scientists, are. probably comfortably housed at Cape Evans, The shortage ol clothing is the most serious aspect. Commander Evans thinks that a relief, ship ought to leave Australian waters in December for McMurdo Sound, but de« tails from the Endurance are necessary ' as a guide for the date of departure of a relief ship to the Weddel Sea, if found necessary. There ought, he thinks, to be no difficulty regarding finance and, personnel.

BEARING PORT, AURORA WILL BE IN TO-NIGHT, • By Telegraph.—Press Association! Wellington, Yesterday. Mr. Massey received the following 1 wireless telegram last night from Lieut, Stenhouse, on the Aurora:— "Position of Aurora, at 8 p.m., latitude 49.40, longitude 164, Making a north-east course at a speed of 2J knots." Mr. Massey said that he had corn* municated this to the Otago Harbor Board to enable them to make arrange* ments to meet the Aurora with a tug.