COMMAND OF THE AURORA.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1916, Page 2

COMMAND OF THE AURORA.

STATEMENT BY DR. McNAB. By Telegiaph.—Press Association. Dunedin, December 20. In the course of a statement regarding the Aurora, Hon. Dr. McNab said that before it was known that Sir E. Shackleton would be available, the three Governments concerned—the British, Australian and New Zealand—had decided that Captain Davis was to have command. Captain Davis has already been the officer in command of a relieving ship despatched by the Admiralty authorities prior to coming to Australian waters, and the Imperial Government laid great stress upon Captain Davis being in command, and Captain Davis arranged his officers accordingly. When Sir Ernest Shackleton arrived and found what had been done, he, in loyalty to Captains Stenhouse and Worsley, was unable at once to fall ia/ with the arrangements, but, on seeing the position, these two officers gener-1 ousdy came forward to relieve Sir E. Shackleton of the necessity of considering their claims. The New Zealand Government regretted exceedingly that Captain Stenhouse had been .prevented by circumstances from taking back the Aurora, and the Minister paid the highest tribute to the abilities of both Captains Stenhouse and Davis. The Minister says it is understood that Captains Stenhouse and Worsley are going Home to offer their services to the Admiralty. Dr. McNab added that the British Government was paying half the cost of this expedition, the Australian and New Zealand Governments paying the other Lalf> on a population bas^s.