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extra pulling such as I have described would be enough to 'break down a party whatever their physique might be.. * :,-.. . ./■'.'■ We, in th's expedition," .continued the commander," knew endurance of the men constituting the advance party, and we do not believe that any men living could have won 'through under the circumstances. THE EXPLORER'S WIDOW. Com inlander Evans referring to Mrs Scott said: "L will remain in New Zealand until Mrs. Scott arrives in Wellington, and with her brother Lieut Bruce of the. expedition will mcct-hcr there." .;:, ' ..'■...... THE DISPOSAL OF THE • BODIES. ■■■•'•• I Asked as to whether there was any likelihood of the bp'dies.-being brought back, Comma.ndbi^:E,varis said : "The best peopic to judge' of .that question arc those who served Avislh Captain Scotct and his gallant comrades. They were his constant companions tor ovei two years. Had we ourselves been in the same place as Captain Scott and those who perished Avith him, we could only have wished .that our bodies remain at rest where we had given ouij best efforts in the cause we so earnestly believed in." TWO BRAVE MEN. iCan^rrAattiderf Evans it-hen referred to the bravery shown by chief stoker Lashley and petty 'officer Krcan af-tci leaving Captain iScott on their return to the camp. The trying experiences which Commander Evans Avent through are to be' found hi the fact that on January 17th no was compelled to curtail his entries in his diary. For the four days following he could only record his experience very briefly, and after that he had to give up the diary altogether. HOW COMMANDER EVANS WAS SAVED. "To the two men who were with Commajridcr Evans, "I owe my life, and I do feel that no tribute of their service can ever be high enough." ATTACKED BY SCURVY. Early in the journey Commander Evans was attacked by scurvy ; but he endeavoured io withhold his fact frcm his companions, .and bravely pushed -on._ . The plight of Commander Evans now became apparent" to them, however, and he expressed a desire that the men should push on and leave him in the tent which they had erected. REFUSE TO LEAVE HIM. The '.men refused to do that, and Commander Evans said he would command- them to do so. They then replied that for the first time they, would disobey his command. Eventually the journey was continued, and Commander Evans succeeded lin making some distance under very 'trying conditions. Eventually everything- they were carrying except what they actually stood in was thrown off the sledge. Commander Evans was. then placed on the sledge and brought into camp.* Continuing-, Commander Evans said chat 'those two men would do again what the}- had alrca'dy, done, and with the, -same cheerful spirit, and with as little thought for themself. '•'We arc hot out to praise one another," .added Commander Evans, "but I cannot let the conduct of these men pass unnoticed." NATIONAL FUND. . The Mayoi at Christchurch stated to-day that as Christchurch had prac tically been .the headquarters of :.thc various Antarctic expeditions, and as a large number of citizens had. become personally acquainted :"-. iy ith . the members of the expedition, he. thought that Christchurch people would like to have an opportunity and contributing to the National Fund. In order to give them an opportunity he had decided to open a list at the City Council Office, and he wouls be glad to receive; subscriptions- from anybody wishing, to contribute. I -It was probable that the fund he was starting might 'be made a New Zealand fund. : He was communicating with Mayors of the other cities, with the idea of making it a combined movement. The money collected would be cabled home to the main fund as contribution from I New Zealand., .. . '. Whilst he. believed ;. that" the. fund would, be very largely contributed to in England and elsewhere, it was I nevertheless the duty .-of New Zealanj ders to do their share .in complying with the dying wish- of the lost leader. ITALY'S -SYMPATHY. Mr. T. Wallace, 66'nsul for Italy, call cd on the Mayor to-day to express on behalf -of tbVe.. people of Italy their sympathy with' the relatives of the dead explorers. . OFFICIAL REPORTThe following facts^ will be of further interest to ;the public:-— JOURNEY: TO ; THE POLE. On. January 4th 1912, Commander Evans left- Captain Scott .and his party., to- /continue their journey to the pole. They marched on . an average of 12 miles a -day right up to the pole and reached'-. the. ...pole' on January 17th, about ' 156 statute miles' from" the spot Commander. Evans turned in S7 degrees. 35 minutes. : . : v '