ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15706, 7 March 1913, Page 5

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION

DR MAWSON'S EXPEDITION. PROFESSOR DAVID STILL ■ HOPEFUL. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, SYDNEY, March 6. Professor David surmises that the accident to Dr Mawson's companions happened while they were carrying out his intention of tracing tile unexplored coast from his headquartem to the bay discovered by the Terra Nova 18 montta ago. Professor David is hopeful that when the Aiirora returns from Wild's Irase she will be able to take off Dr Mawson and his six companions.

, Lieutenant Nitmie, of tho Royal Fusiliers, one of Dr Mawson's party lost in the Antarctic, had made surveying a special study, eays Professor David. He was a man of fine physique and high courage—in' filet, in many respects he might bo compared- with the heroio Captain Oates, of Scott's polar party. At one time he had intended to join Scott, but was eventually selected* by Dr Mawson for his Australasian expedition. Lieutenant Ninni6 came out tn the Aurora onf her original trip from England, before she went to Adelie Land, and on hie voyage took general charge of the sledge dogs. Ho was about 25 years of age. Dr Xavie? 'Mertz was a Swiss by birth, a good linguist, a -well-trained scientist, and a great expert in all matters relating to ice and ice work. He held tho ski-jumping championship recently established in Switzerland. He was one of the most popular members of the expedition.