AMUNDSEN CLAIMS THE POLE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 72, 9 March 1912, Page 5

AMUNDSEN CLAIMS THE POLE.

CAMPED THERE FROM 14th TO 17th DECEMBER. CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE SCOTT RUMOUR. [paras ASSOCIATION COPTBIGHT.] Hobart, March 8. Amundsen denies sending the London cable to the effect jhat Captain Scott had reached the Pole. He cannot understand how the rumour got about. London, March 8. The “Daily Chronicle” published a Christiania telegram signed by Captain Amundsen stating that the pole was attained from the 14th to the 17th December. The “Daily Chronicle” publishes Captain Amundsen’s story to-mor-row. SHACKLETON’S VIEWS. Sir E. H. Shackleton states that Amundsen’s taking three days for continuous observations of the pole would enable him safely to assume that his position was accurate. A flying snapshot .would, be less reliable than a continuous series of observations. He discusses whether Captain Scott had reached the Pole before the 14th. * AMUNDSEN’S LECTURING TOUR. Melbourne, March 8. Before starting on his expedition Amundsen made a provisional agreement to lecture in Australia provided he put up a record io Polar exploration and patrons gave him time to fulfil his agreement. Arrangements are being made for a lecturing tour covering a month. AMUNDSEN STILL RETICIENT. (Received 9, 10.5 a.m.) Hobart, March 9. Denying responsibility for the rumour that Captain Scott has reached the Pole. Captain Amundsen declared :—“I knew nothing of Scott’s movements.”

Captain Amundsen still refuses to be drawn in reference to his own achievements. He told the secretary of Dr. Mawson’s expedition that weather conditions in the Antarctic were favourable for Dr. Mawson’s observations. CONGRATULATED BY HIS KING. (Received 9, 11.45 a.m.) Christiana, March 8. King Haakon, the Government, and the Geographical Society have telegraphed congratulations to Cant. Amundsen. The city is beflagged. SCOTT LIKELY TO HAVE REACHED THE POLE. (Received 9, 12.20 p.m.) London, March 8. Lieut. E. Shackleton, speaking at the Mansion House said it was likely that Captain Scott had also reached the Pole. AMUNDSEN’S GOOD REPUTATION. (Received. 9 1.15 p.m.) New York, March 8. Professor Osborne, head of the Museum of Natural History, expresses the belief that Captain Amundsen would, not claim to have reached the Pole unless he was actually there. Dr. Cock declares it is extremcly probable that both men reached the Pole almost at the same time.