POLAR EXPLORATION

Otago Witness, Issue 2934, 8 June 1910, Page 27

POLAR EXPLORATION

CAPTAIN SCOTT'S EXPEDITION. LONDON, May 31. The Royal Geographical Society gave a luncheon at the Holborn Restaurant to Captain Scott and his officers. Captain Scott, proudly referring to the Australians and New Zealanders and other colonials associated with the expedition, claimed that he had tried to make it an Empire expedition. It was thoroughly representative of the hardihood and energy of the race. June 1. The Terra Nova has sailed. Sir. G. H. Reid went to the West India docks to take part in the farewell ceremonies. . June 2. On being interviewed by a Reuter representative Captain Scott said he hoped that the total cost of the expedition would be within £50,000. The Mother Country had done its part, and he hoped to arouse interest in overseas dominions when he visited South Africa and Australia. Failing this, the funds would be insufficient to complete the expedition's work. Scientific considerations would not be sacrificed to a mere polar dash. Dr Charcot, the French Antarctic explorer, who has arrived at Guernsey, sent his gfiod wishes. The Terra Nova sailed under the White Ensign. Lieutenant Evans is commanding. Many ships in the Tiver were dressed with flags and streamers, and sirens sainted the Terra Nova. Captain Bartlett, who was present, stated that the "American expedition intended to start for the Antarctic in 1911, commencing from Weddell Sea. He could not say. whether it would be absent for one or two seasons.