RISK IN TRIP TO POLE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28493, 24 January 1958, Page 8

RISK IN TRIP TO POLE

Views Of Veteran Of 1907 (Special Correspondent NZPA.) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON. Jan. 22 The risk in going to the South Pole under prevent modern conditions was considerably less than incurred in crossing a Yorkshire grouse moor on a stormy winter night, stated Ueutenant-Coloned Sir Philip Brocklehurst, who is 71. and who. accompanied the British Antarctic Expedition of 1907. He wrote this view in a letter to the “Daily Telegraph.” The present expedition, he said, was a rather mediocre affair in comparison with Shackleton's effort.Sir Philip Brocklehurst said that the scientific work done on such a journey as now being undertaken by , Dr. Fuchs, considering the time allowed for observations and travel, was too short to be of any value and the cost was great “Were the scientific problems on this Polar Plateau of such great importance as to merit great expense, the parties could, by reasonably short air trips, be landed complete with- every modern camping device and instrument in areas suitable to work, and in due course be collected by the same means. “A race to reach the Pole, though certainly not desired by the leader, Dr. Fuchs, was won by his lieutenant over a shorter, easier and- previously-pioneered route. Efforts of 50 Years Ago “Parties and certainly large tractor-aided convoys can easily be seen by air observation and necessaries dropped, and convoys linked together are not likely to be lost down crevasses. "It is said that comparisons are odious. Maybe, but in view of the enormous developments and improvements within the last 50 years in food, clothing and equipment, including radio, the superhuman efforts of only 50 years ago are forgotten or belittled by the public for what is rather a mediocre affair in comparison. Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition of 1907-9 was the smallest, poorest and least expensivelyequipped within the century and it achieved more scientifically than any before or since. “It had no help other than by private means and it was not until the expedition returned crowned with success that the British Government granted £20,000 towards expenses. “Anyhow I hope Dr. Fuchs will achieve his ambition and that his journey north will be less uncomfortably completed on his own resources.” The “Daily Telegraph”' publishes a cartoon showing two Huskies talking at the Pole. Says one: “Dr. Fuchs does the science apd Sir Edmund the public relations.” The “Yorkshire Post” says the manner in which Dr. Fuchs accomplished the first half of his journey deserves the highest praise. Unexplored and Arduous “Antarctic travel has not yet become so mechanised that heroic qualities can be dispensed with and his journey has been a far different undertaking from Hillary’s. The route taken by Dr. Fuchs was unexplored and arduous and he has kept methodically to a valuable programme of scientific investigation. “He has led his team thus far with admirable courage and resolution and there is no doubt he will show the same fine qualities and careful regard for the main objects of the expedition on the last half of his journey. "Dr. Fuchs seems likely to prove one of the greatest Polar explorers of our time.” The “Scotsman” says the decision to continue on the second half of the journey has been no easy one for Dr. Fuchs. “He is going out across unbelievably desolate and difficult country in the face of the virtual certainty of having to endure the most savage weather the earth can provide. Hut we can be sure the decision to take the risk has not been rashly arrived at. “As an experienced leader. Dr. Fuchs must be convinced the members of his party have the endurance to get them through.”