The Norwegian whaling steamer Sir James Clark Ross berthed at Port Chalmers yesterday to take in coal and water preparatory to leaving for a second trip to the Antarctic. In terms of a three-season permit from the New Zealand Government, which controls fishing in the Ross Sea, the Sir James Clark Ross left Hobart at the beginning of last December on the initial whaling cruise. This first venture was not quite so remunerative as was anticipated, but sufficient whales were captured to make the expedition financially successful and to justify further attempts. The Sir James Clark Ross is the storeship of the expedition, the fleet including five small steam "chasers" with a speed up to 11 knots. These chasers capture the whales and tow them to the mother ship, where the oil is extracted from the blubber and the carcases converted into manure. At the close of last whaling season the chasers were left to winter at Stewart Island, and the storeship came up to Port Chalmers. Last April the Sir James Clark Ross left Port Chalmers and proceeded to Rotterdam, afterwards refitting at Sandefjord, her port of registry in Norway. Before returning here she went to Barry and loaded about 8000 tons of coal. Taking passage by way of the Cape of Good Hope, the whaler called at Hobart, where 12 extra hands wore engaged for the whaling reason. She afterwards called at Foveaux Strait to pick up Captain Hooper, who acts as Government representative on the trip to the south. Yesterday the Sir James Clark Ross reached Port Chalmers and berthed at the George street pier to take in 2500 tons of Westport coal from the Kamona, and also to ship about 1800 tons of fresh water. Captain Larsen, who is a veteran whaler both in the Arctic and the Antarctic, retains command of the expedition. He is optimistic in regard to the prospects of the ensuing season and the experience gained last season should prove of practical value. Several minor improvements to the Sir James Clark Ross’s equipment were effected while she was in Europe, these including a new raised deck on either side of the digesters to facilitate the handling of blubber as it is hoisted aboard the storeship. The chasers at Stewart Island are in readiness, save for bunker coal. Captain Larsen hopes to be able to leave Stewart Island southward bound next Tuesday.
Changes to Queens Gardens
A great deal of misapprehension exists as to the layout of the Triangle when the soldiers’ memorial is constructed there, and it will clear the air if the position is plainly stated. The obelisk is to stand on what may be termed the centre of a cross, formed of footpaths, and this will require certain alterations in the Triangle. The foot of the cross, or path, will start from the northern end of the Triangle, and it will run straight through to Rattray street. It will be necessary to remove the Macandrew statue, and several trees. Similarly, when the cross section is formed from Lower High street to Cumberland street more trees will have to be cut down. Many citizens have expressed doubt when the proposal has been explained to them that this is really the intention, but the matter is not open to doubt. Whether the column would not be just as striking if no alterations were made in the gardens — if, in fact, no trees were cut down and no footways made — is a matter of very diverse opinion. Many leading citizens consider that the obelisk would lose nothing in its significance if the gardens were left just as they are.
— ODT, 13.11.1924
