THE SEARCH FOR FRANKLIN

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 138, 14 June 1930, Page 8

THE SEARCH FOR FRANKLIN

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The very interesting account ia "The Post" of the expeditions fitted out to search for the remains of Sir John Franklin reminds me of an incident. I came across some years ago, when wrting tho life of Captain Hobson.

Just after the seat of Government was moved to Auckland from Bay of Islands Lady Franklin came to New Zealand on a visit from Tasmania, where her husband was Governor. At Government House, Auckland, she made the acquaintance of a chubby boy oi ten years old, the only son of tho Governor. Young Hobson entered the Navy, and first saw Arctic service in the Behring: Sea, where he waa sent on the duty of laying put supplies for a march over the ice. His ship being cast away, the crew were saved by the Resolute and Investigator and returned to England in a ship captured from the Russians at Petropaulovek, for the Crimean War was in progress. A few years later, when Lady Franklin purchased tho Fox to search for her husband, young Hobson's experience and his acquaintance with Lady Franklin recommended him as second in command to M'Clintock. In April, 1859, when King William Island was the only likely spot left where the remains might be found, M'Clintock generously detailed Hobson to search this area, and he ihus- discovered at Point Victory Graham Gore's records, articles of clothing, and finally the boat containing the two skeletons. Hobson was duly promoted and givea command of his own ship, H.M.S. Pantaloon. He had the misfortune to run her ashore in South Africa, but refloated her with great skill. Becoming post captain in 18C6, he did not serve afloat again. On his return from the Arctic, Hobson was often seen in society with Lady Franklin, and was a tood deal lionised.— I am, etc., ■ G. H. SCHOLEFIELD.