According to the information that is at present available, the Aurora, one of the two vessels utilised in connection with Sir Ernest Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic expedition, should reach Port Chalmers, where she is coming to be docked, some time tomorrow.
It is assumed that the vessel will first sight the New Zealand coast at the Nuggets or at Cape Saunders, and, the acceptance of the Otago Harbour Board's offer having been notified by wireless, she will be towed into port by the tug Dunedin.
It may be suggested that gifts of fruit, cigarettes, and tobacco would be acceptable to the men on board the Aurora, who have been in the Antarctic regions for nearly 16 months, and the secretary of the Harbour Board has authorised us to say that he will make arrangements to send out by the tug any ‘‘comforts'' that may be left at the harbourmaster's office during the course of this day.
The question of extending a public welcome in Dunedin to the members of the expedition who are on board the Aurora is one that will doubtless receive the consideration of the municipal authorities.
■The arrival in Lyttelton of the British full-rigged ship Celtic Glen brought back to old identities memories of the days when a motley selection of sailers, with their lofty masts, made an imposing spectacle on the waterfront (says the Lyttelton Times).
It is stated that about eight years have passed since a British full-rigged ship entered the port. It is also many years since a cargo of salt was brought direct from Liverpool to Lyttelton, and had it not been for the shortage of tonnage at Home, brought about by the war, it is doubtful whether a ‘‘wind jammer'' of the Celtic Glen class would have been chartered for such a long voyage.
The vessel carries a crew of 29, 13 of whom are Britishers, while the remainder are composed of Americans, Norwegians, Danes, Dutchmen, and Swedes. Her journey to New Zealand occupied 130 days, and after clearing the submarine area Captain Henry met several vessels, but only once did he have any anxiety for the safety of his vessel.
On one occasion he sighted the lights of a big steamer, bound east, and several of those on board thought she might be an enemy raider. However, the night was fairly dark and by daylight the Celtic Glen had got well out of sight of the vessel, much to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Apart from this incident, and the fact that much adverse weather was met with, the voyage was uneventful, but many of those on board felt no little relief when port was entered, and they were again able to learn the latest news of the war, of the progress of which they had been ignorant for 130 days.
■The Otago Soldiers' and Dependents' Welfare Committee will be glad to hear from ladies who are prepared voluntarily to assist at the Waikouaiti Convalescent Soldiers' Home.
Women who are interested in voluntary service are invited to communicate with the secretary, who will give all information regarding the work. The arrangements are that two ladies go together for a fortnight, and attend to the cooking for the men in the home, generally about 12 convalescents, who materially lighten the duties of the lady-in-charge by doing such work as wood-chopping, making their own beds, washing-up, peeling potatoes, etc.
The services of a charwoman are engaged to do the washing; and the Waikouaiti ladies attend to the ironing, etc. Briefly summarised, the work simply consists of cooking for the men and attending to the two living rooms.
Ladies interested and willing to assist are invited to send their names to the secretary (Mr J. L. Stewart Wright).
- ODT, 30.3.1916.
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