CITY COUNCIL'S TRIBUTE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 15 February 1913, Page 5

CITY COUNCIL'S TRIBUTE

RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY

Tho City Council meeting last niglit, after passing accounts, adjourned for a week as a mark of respect to Captain Scott and his comrades who lost their lives at the South Pole. Before the formal business was commenced, the Mayor (Mr. T. A. H. Field) spoke as follows in .moving a resolution of sympathy at the .disaster: — . "In the last few days we have heard Ihe .sad tidings of the unparralled disaster at the South Pole. The tragic death cf Captain Scott and his successr ful party when on their homeward, march has bowed the heads of the people of the British Empire. We can gather some little "idea "of the vastness of' their task and the solitudes into which they plunged when we-remember that in this era of rapid communication they had lain in their icy sepulchres fcr nearly a- year before the news of' the,tragedy reached the civilised world. Captain Scott's last message written in those ,icv solitudes amidst dying companions and facing certain death, has. been flashed around-.the world stirring the hearts of the nations, and showing that in these "days men of our race can die thinking of others bravely, unflinchingly and uncomplainingly—like Englishmen. It will be some consolation for their sorrowing relatives to know that the natnes oij Scott and his brave companions are written already on the glorious roll of British heroes, Whom the nation delights to honour, and that their grief is shared not only 'by the nation, but bv this world." The resolution was as follows "That this Council deplores the disvvidows and relatives of the late Captain Scott and his brave companions on their return from the South Pole, and expresses its admiration of the fortitude, heroism, and self-srfcrlfice displayed by all the members of the ill-fated party."" Cr. Mercer seconded the resolution, which was carried, in silence, the Councillors standing. The Mayor then moved : "That this Council deeply sympathises with the widows and relatives o ftlie late Captain Scott and the othp" members of

the expedition in their terrible bereavement." . ( Ci - . Adams seconded. tho resolution, to which the Council signified its assent by standing. . , . Cr. Barley moved : "That copies oifhe above resolutions, be sent to the Hon. the Prime Minister, and that he b- requested to forward same." The motion was seconHefL 03" Cr. lasker and carried. Cr. Hnmpson inuvoil : "Thai as a. mark of respect tu those who have lost theii lives in the Antarctic expedition this Council now adjourn, -and that it do attend the memorial service which is being held, in the School of Music.'' Cr. Hampson said there wore pessimists who told them the nation was decadent, but such instances of s-c'lf-saciifice as they met' w.ith in tho case of the wreck of the Titanic and the heroic conduct of Captain Scott's parly showed them that they had nothing to f: nr from race decadence. Great occasions always found ; lie iron.

The resolution was seconded by C'r. Snodgrass ami carried, and the Council adjourned until Friday evening next.