ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14492, 5 October 1910, Page 6

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

The report that Captain Amundsen, the famous Norwegian explorer, is transferring his work from the Arctic to the Antarctic regions, is evidently credited by Dr. Nansen, who would presumably be in the inner councils of any Norwegian expedition. Amundsen was the first man to take a ship through the North-west Passage discovered on foot by the British explorer, McClure; his work, during a prolonged stay at the North Magnetic Pole, constitutes an invaluable contribution to modern science. The reported purpose of Amundsen, when he left Norway in his historic Fram, was to enter the Arctic Ocean, by way of Behring Sea, and to drift; across the North Pole. His reported j entry upon Antarctic exploration brings to that scene a rival worthy of Captain Scott, although it is difficult to explain why secrecy should have been introduced into an open and honourable venture. Whether he will make a dash for the South Pole or will establish himself for observation-purposes at the South Magnetic Pole reached by Professor David remains to be seen. In any case, he is a brave and hardy explorer and of recognised scientific attainments. Some five expeditions are now directed towards Antarctica, the frozen continent that lies southward from New Zealand. The British expedition, under Captain Scott, is en route; the Scottish expedition, under Captain Bruce, and a German expedition, under Lieutenant-Filch-ner, are practically ready ; and a Japanese expedition is said to be preparing. Between them all, .much should be learned, and we have every reason to hope that, with his own and Sir Ernest Shackleton's experience to guide him, Captain Scott will carry the British flag first to the South Pole..