IN ANTARCTICA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8181, 24 July 1912, Page 8

IN ANTARCTICA

MAWSON EXPEDITION LECTURE BY CAPTAIN DAVIS. Captain J. K. Davis, of the Antarctic exploration ship Aurora, delivered a highly interesting lecture at tho concert chamber of the Town Hall la»»t eve-ning on the work of the Mawson expedition. Ills narrative was accompanied by tho exhibition of a number of lantern sl.deo and some 4000 feet of cinematograph pictures. Hie Excellency Lord Islington was present, and the audience, in spite of tho wintry weather, numbered several hundred. The lecturer delivered his story in a very entertaining manner, with a simplicity of diction and ascertain dry humour that won the liveliest interest and applause. Despite original reports that the operator was not successful the films displayed were highly meritorious, especially in view of the circumstances in which they wore obtained, while many of tho slides were of remarkable beauty and clearness. *ho pictures showed almost every aspect of tho Aurora’s work, scenery met with on the Macquarie and Auckland Islands, and the great ice barriers of Antarctica. i AN INTREPID LEADER. Opening with a brief historical sketch of exploration, in these regions Captain Davis paid a tribute to Captain. Cook—“tho greatest of English explorers who in 1774 reached 71.10 *S« latitude and virtually discovered Antarctica. Others continued the work of discovery—Clarke, Ross. "Wilkes and D’Urville. Tho Mawson expedition was working on a strip of Antarctic coast 2500 miles long to the southward of Australasia—a portion oi tho utmost importance, from a scientific point of view. Captain Davis gavo a character sketch of/tho leader, who had distinguished himself in science at Sydney University, and was a man of intrepid energy and capacity. Nearly every branch of science was being investigated, and special attention was being given to magnetism and meteorology, while tho geologists would thoroughly examine the southern regions for specimens. WIRELESS ON MACQUARIE.

Captain Davis described in detail the voyage from Hobart, the ship's company comprising 53 members anU 40 dogs. Stormy weather was encountered, and some of the finest views showed the Aurora riding stoutly over seas, making hills and valleys of the ocean. At Macquarie Lsland a wireless station was erected, the masts being taken up a hill 120 feet high. “The station is working splendidly,” said the lecturer, "and has communicated with Suva, 2300 miles away, which is a record for the southern hemisphere.” It also sends daily weather advices to Melbourne and Wellington. Three wireless operators were landed, including Mr Hamilton (son of the curator of the Dominion Museum) as biologist. Then the ship made for the regions of ice, and with the help of a m6tor launch and whalers landed one party and stores in Adelie Land. She afterwards proceeded round the great ice barrier, whose forbidding cliffs and towering bergs made splendid views, to the main base. Here Dr Mawson and eighteen men established quarters, while a . second station was later formed, in charge of Mr Wild, who had accompanied Scott and Shackloton. Stores had to be raised over a huge glacier by means of a “flying fox.” sheer legs being erected in attachment to a steel hawser held by anchors. The work was done in bitter cold, and owing to the risks of ice closure it- was a great relief to get the party landed. Incidentally the ship verified Wilkes’ report of land whose existence had long been doubted, and found ISO fathoms of water where the charts showed mountains. Having landed these parties, who, it was hoped, will meet by working towards each other over the 1133 miles, the Aurora returned to Hobnrt. SOUNDING AND DREDGING.

Deep sea sounding and dredging, said Captain Davis, were special features of the work. The deepest sounding made was 2300 fathoms, south of Tasmania. On March 12th tho ship reached Hobart, and later went round the Australasian coasts for sounding, dredging and coUecting specimens. lor tho latter work the ship trails a special net astern. A search was made for islands known as the Royal Company, but the lecturer did not think they existed. A high, tribute to the value of provision depots on the Auckland and other islands was paid by Captain Davis. Views of graves at Fort Ross included l ono of an "unknown sailor" who died of starvation before this kindly forethought. Tha lecturer was pleased to note that tho captain of the Amokura had restored a board over another grave, whose record was nearly obliterated. MAGNIFICENT SCENERY.

Some magnificent scenery was thrown on the screen —rock-bound coasts of the Auckland Islands, ice floes, bergs, snowy cliffs, the lofty hill on Macquarie, “caves of ice" with stalactites, and rough seas. Swarming penguins strutted with consequential air, almost human-like, and promoted much laughter. Sea lions wallowed in the rollin/g surf, and gaped in protestation at the camera or jerked clumsily into the swishing tide. Especially fine were tho billowy seas that made the chamber seem to dip and heave. On Macquarie Island the party secured six rare doves, while the pictures showed swarms of shags. There are, said Captain Davis, no trees on the island, which is covered by tussock grass. A few views of the Fram’s dash were also shown. Captain Amundsen having reached Hobart within a day of the Aurora, and presented J; wen ty dogs to the latter ship. During an interval Mr C. Eitel (expedition secretary) expressed hearty thanks for the kindness and sympathy shown them by, the people of New Zealand. He also thanked the Governor for bis attendance and interest. (Applause.) Professor Laby, in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to Captain Davis, remarked that the portion of the Antarctic continent now being investigated by Dr Mawson was the origin of much of our weather. Dr Malison was well equipped foj>this work. The vote'was carried amid acclamation. Tho lecturer expressed appreciation of the splendid welcome given to this and other expeditions in New Zealand. (Applause.) ’