Peter Scott’s Is No Sentimental Journey

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30952, 7 January 1966, Page 1

Peter Scott’s Is No Sentimental Journey

It is no sentimental journey that Peter Scott, son of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, is making to the Antarctic. In fact, he said in Christchurch yesterday, he had been deliberately avoiding the Antarctic until now, and had no desire to retrace his father’s footsteps.

“Naturally, I am interested in the parts of the Antarctic which concerned my father,” said Mr Scott, “but that is not the objective of this visit. The objective is to present to British television viewers what has happened in the Antarctic in the past and what is happening now.”

Captain Scott died on his return journey from the South Pole on March 29, 1912. Now 56, Mr Scott is visiting the Antarctic for the first time.

"No, a visit to the Antarctic has never been an ambition of mine,” he said. “For years my ambition has been to take part in activities that

were not connected with the polar regions. “But when this trip was suggested by the 8.8. C. 1 decided that this vanity could no longer continue.” Mr Scott said he had never seen Antarctic penguins in real life, but he had compered many programmes about them, so he felt he knew them pretty well. CONSERVATION Mr Scott is vice-president and chairman of trustees of the World Wildlife Fund, and is intensely interested in the conservation of wildlife. “Antarctica is still the least spoiled of the seven continents.” he said, “and 1 hope it will stay that way. One can learn lessons from the destruction of wildlife that has taken place in other parts of the world, and I believe this is being done in the Antarctic.” Rear-Admiral F. E. Bakutis, the commander of the United States Navy’s Antarctic support force, who met Mr Scott at the airport, told him that the Antarctic Treaty promoted conservation measures, and biological specimens could be taken only with a permit. “1 think the penguin rookeries are increasing this I year,” said Admiral Bakutis. Mr Scott: There was I trouble from helicopters, ■ wasn't there? Admiral Bakutis said the I United States Navy had I“gone overboard" on that question now. Helicopter 1 pilots flew over dangerous teri rain rather than disturb penguin rookeries, and the need

for care had been brought to the attention of the captains of ships visiting the Antarctic. Mr Scott will leave for McMurdo Station next Wednesday. The team of three from the 8.8. C. will make a 60minute television documentary there, but the producer. Mr A. C. Railing, said they would try not to be “too corny” about the obvious connexions with Captain Scott’s fated expedition. They will take some preliminary film in Christchurch before they leave. “1 want to see my mother’s statue." said Mr Scott, referring to the statue of Captain Scott sculptured by Lady Scott, which stands beside the Avon river.

“When I was here nine years ago I had to climb up the statue and remove a beer bottle which was stuck on one of the ski sticks.” MAY SWIM UNDER ICE He also wants to do some gliding in Christchurch, and in the Antarctic he is keen to swim under the ice with self - contained breathing apparatus. Mr Scott is chairman of the 8.8. C. nature programme “Look,” and a famous wildfowl painter. He has exhibited at the Royal Academy since 1933, and has illustrated a number of books, including Paul Gallico's “The Snow Goose.” He has written many books about birds himself. As well as gliding, sailing, exploring, and ornithology, his interests include youth clubs, camping clubs, and boy scouts.