ANTARCTIC RESEARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 87

ANTARCTIC RESEARCH.

; AN OFFER BY MR -BORCHGREYINK. The Sydney Herald of 6th rnst. states — Mr Bonyhgrevink forwards a lengthy letter eulogising Australian interest in Antarctic research, -also eulogising Antractio research itself, -and finally declaring that he is prepared to -lead "in the spirit of the traditions of Australian enterprise and endurance " and expedition to the Antarctic on condition that Australians raise £40,000 for the purpose. Forty thousand apparently is the minimum, because Mr Borchgrevink admits that the sum " to be raised may exceed that modest figure : so that in this offer theTe is fair scope for Australian tradi4k>nal liberality. But one of the reasons put forward by Mr Borchgrevink why it would be a good tiling to raise the minimum £40,000 is not convincing. He says it would be "a practical issue '" from the fact that Captain Collins represented the Commonwealth at the Foiar Conference in Brussels. Of -course, it would be a practical issue ; bufc very few people know anything about Captain Collins going to Brussels for the conference. Federal members have been wondering what the exact positon of Captain Collins is. There was a hazy heliel tliat he tras merely sent to England to inspect some warlike stores, but he quickly assumed ambassadorial proportions, until some members of Parliament began to inquire about the matter. Anyhow, it is safe +o assert that, his presence at a Polar Conference is no guarantee whatever that even Mr BorekgTevink's minimum will be subscribed. Another reason is that "an Australian Arsctorctic expedition would directly and indirectly benefit AnetraJian commerce in regard to the fisheries, and in regard to Australian .material useful and adapted for Antarctic expeditions. Australia," Mr Borchgrevink continues, "can supply most of the material required except reindeer." The development of Antarctic fisheries has truly a ring of the wonderful about it ; but more wonderful still is tie proposition that an impetus -would be given to Australian prosperity 1 by the utilisation of Australian timbers and ! other material in fitting out South Polar ' expeditions even on the terms Mr Borehgre1 vink proposes.

! "The" Allen, the Pool-room King, has 1 died at New "Fork, at the age of 75. He. i owned on© of the (jreatesfc gambling establishments in ihe city, in connection with the operations of which he was arrested over 300 times. In no single case was he ever convicted. All sorts of ruses were employed by the police to catch him breaking the law. The doors of his pool-room were beaten down "with axes, holes were out through the roof, and the police let themselves in unexpectedly through the ■windows. As JL rule they found a very respectable gathering of men, engaged apparently in the serious discussion of some social question. 'LINSEED COMPOUND' for Coughs and Colds. Believes Asthma and difficult breathing.