THE STORY OF THE POLE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 40, 15 February 1913, Page 5

THE STORY OF THE POLE

END OF NARRATIVE. Further particulars of Lieutenant Campbell’s party’s northern journey are officially given as follows: — LIFE IN THE IGLOO. While awaiting the ship in Iroruary cold blizzards from the plateau were experienced, which caused tlie seals to take to the sea earlier than usual, the seals objecting to the cold autumn gales. Thus on Mari n 1, when Lieutenant Campbell decided that the winter would have to bo faced and that it would be necessary to pr. pare for winter, very few sea ! s were to l>e seen. By March 20 the iglo<> although unfinished, afforded shelie The ingloo was constructed by di giug a deep trench, and with ice axcutting out a chamber at the end < this, measuring 13ft. by 9ft. T 1 trench was afterwards roofed in wit sealskins and snow, forming a lon passage. Doors were formed by sacks and by having three of these they wer able to keep the temperature in th living room above zero. The igloo afforded shelter just i time, for Levick’s tent, in a terrifi gale, had collapsed on the 19th, thre of the poles breaking, and the ten being blown to ribbons. After lyim under the ruins all day his party mad their way to Campbell’s camp, abou a mile away , arriving there in . frost-bitten and exhausted condition They were revived with “hoosh,” an slept that night, two in a sleepiiii bag, a most uncomfortable experienct By the time the winter had set in in spite of killing everything seen only 16 seals and 80 adelie penguin had been secured. The rations, whic had previously consisted of two pann; kins of seal hoosh and one biscuit pe man per day, had to be cut down t half that amount, and, not having an, salt, the food had always to bo cooko in salt water.

Seaweed was sometimes used as ration, but certain members of tli party could never get used to this One lucky find was thirty-six fish h the stomach of a seal, and fried ii blubber, they proved excellent. ALWAYS HUNGRY. Until the middle of July, who three more seals were captured, th party was always hungry. For cook ing and lighting purposes a blubbe stove and a lamp were constructed the fuel for the stove being old ses bones and blubber. The lamps wer simply old tins filled with melted blul ber, with rope yarn for wicks. 0: two occasions in the blizzards the-ven tilation got blocked with snow, anthe party almost asphyxiated, th lamps and stove refusing to burn un til a passage was dug out. Of luxuries, there was enough suga ttj give each man twelve lumps even Sunday, and one stick of chocolat every Saturday, with half a panniku of tea on Sunday, the leaves being re boiled .for Monday, rind then bein; kept for smoking, the tobacco bavin;, run out. Half a pannikin of coco, was served on five nights a week. Recreations consisted of lecture* and reading aloud of our own twe hooks—“ David Copperfield” and tin “Life of Stevenson.” There were con certs every Saturday night. Swedisl exercises were compulsory during tin later part of the winter. On Sundaj evefiings divine service was held. The party suffered much from enteritis. Browning was very bad the whole winter, but this never affected his spirits, and, to his great credit, he was cheery and willing throughout it all. The condition of the party’s clothe* and footwear caused a lot of frostbites, but luckily none was serious. THE RETURN OF THE SUN. With the return of the sun enough seals were procured to return to full rations of meat and blubber, saving enough for'sledging purposes. Sufficient oil had been saved to cook breakfast and supper, but lunch had to consist of raw seal and penguin. A start was made for Cape Evans on September 20. Progress was slow, as the party was weak, and Browning was too weak to pull. Terra Nova Bay remained open, and they wore forced to cross the rough ice on the Drigalski barrier tongue, so ably described by Professor David in Shackleton’s “Heart of the Antarctic.” During this part of the journey they experienced a cold blizzard with drift, and on two occasions NEARLY CAME TO GRIEF over ice cliffs. 'I hey successfully negotiated the Drigalski by the evening of October 10, thus taking ten dove to make this passage. During that time an enormous rrevass had to he crossed by a snow bridge, which measured 175 paces. Campbell found the Drigalski cut by barrancas, but most of the crevasses were well bridged. Descending on to the sea ice, the party encountered a bad screw pack. The pressure of the ridges at times was so bad that a road had to bo cut with ice axes.

Trials of the Relief Parij. j ... - A, A - Luti': l . For Science Sake. . (Per Press Association.)

The next barrier across their track was the Nordenskiold Glacier tongue. No crevasses were found on this, and the passage peeved quite easy, but returning to the sea ice the screw pack was again found. Lieutenant Campbell examined the coast very closely for signs of Prof. David’s geological depot, first examing Tripp island, where a geological collection was obtained, and then proceeding to Depot Island (which is not shown on the Admiralty chart). Here Professor David’s depot of geological v specirn ms and letters was found and taken along. Generally better surfaces were met with after leaving Depot Island, and Browning had to he carried on the sledge when the ice was smooth, his condition being critical. LIEUTENANT CAMPBELL’S DIARY. The following extract is inserted from Lieutenant Campbell’s diary:— •‘Oct. 29: Turned out at 4.30 a.rn.; fine day, but bank of clouds to southward; a cold westerly wind. A two hours march brought us toCape Roberts, where I saw through my glasses a bamboo stuck on the top of the cape. Leaving the sledges Priestby and 1 climbed the cape, where we found a record left by the western party on the previous year, before they were picked up, giving their movements; also neai by a depot of provisions they had left behind. We gave such a yell that the others came up the slope. It seemed almost too good to be true. One and three-quarter tins of biscuits, a small bag of raisins, ditto of sugar, tea, cocoa, butter and Jard, some clothes, diaries and specimens from Granite Harbor. “I decided to camp and have a day off, dividing the provisions between the two tents. A GREAT FEED. “We soon had hoosh going, and such a feed of biscuits, butter and lard we had not had for nine months, followed up with thick, sweet cocoa. After this w r e killed and cut up a seal, as we were getting short of meat, and there was every prospect of a blizzard coming on. Another hoosh and more biscuits and lard in the .evening, then we turned into our bags, and quite torpid with food, discussed our plans on arriving at Cape Evans, as we had quite decided we should find no one there.”

Note—Campbell and his companions had always imagined that the ship had picked up Captain Scott and the main party, and had been blown north by adverse circumstances or shortage of coal, preventing her from relieving them. The diary continues: — “Still discussing plans, wc fell asleep. What with news from the main party and food, although both were a year old, it was the happiest day since we last saw the ship. I awoke in the night, finished my share of butter and most of ray lard, and then dozed off again.” FIRST NEWS OF THE LOSS . Lieutenant Campbell left Cape Roberts on October 30th. They found on the food depot at Cape Bernacchi at Butter Point Depot, a note telling of "the attempt that Dr. Atkinson had made to relieve Lieutenant Campbell. The signing of the note by Dr Atkinson gave rise to much anxiety and doubt for this reason, that the party commenced a forced march direct to Cape Evans, and after going about nine miles found ice so new and rotten that they were forced to return, and made a detour of McMurdo Sound. Arriving at Hut Point, a note was discovered from Dr. Atkinson giving the sad news of the loss of the Southern party, and of the start of a search party. VALUABLE SCIENTIFIC WORK. General geological work done by the southern, western, and northern par- , ties, which is likely to prove of great value in furnishing evidence relative to the former connection between South America and Australasia, through the Antarctic continent. Fossil plants and coal were brought back from a height of 8000 feet, almost 1 from the same place as where coal j was discovered by Shackleton. New mountains up to 9000 feet wore found and surveyed. Tn December, 1912, a party of six, under Priestly, made the ascent of Mt. Erebus for geological purposes. There was good weather, but low temperatures, 30 below zero, at the summit. At a height of 10,000 feet two of the party were overcome by mountain sickness, and were left to continue the survey of the old crater. Extensive marine biological collections were made by Lillie. It is worthy of note that Polar parties for meteorological observations were continued up to March 12th, when the thermometer was broken. CLERICAL CONDOLENCE. ; Timaru, February 14. t The Congregational Union passed a resolution regarding Captain Scott’s

party, sharing in the general sorrow over their mournful fate, and adding: “We aro profoundly moved by the story of their sufferings, so heroically endured, and of the loyalty that died for its friends. We recognise that tho spirit in which the explorers faced their death made their sacrifice complete. It recalls the greatest and holiest of things in tho history of our race, and belongs to the redeemin features in our humanity.” burial of the bodies. THE MEMORIAL CROSS. Christchurch, February 13. Tho Times says that some groundless speculation was indulged iu when the Terra Nova had left Oamaru, and the news of the tragedy had percolated through, as to whether the bodies were being brought up from the south. As a matter of fact, the vessel could have brought the hodiu up, and Commander Evans gave a reporter an assurance on that point. When asked whether any attempt might be made in that direction, he said that the matter had confronted Dr. Atkinson when he came upon Captain Scott’s tent on the ice barrier, but ho and every one of the party agreed that it would be better to leave the explorers in the eternally fresh White marble, where they had given their lives in a great mission. In this decision all the other members of tho expedition had concurred, when they erected the cairn overlooking the ice barrier in which the bodies lay.

It has been pointed out, however, that the bodies have no permanent sepulchre. They are on the barrier, i< huge glacier which, however, siowly, is moving down to the sea, and ii broken off in icebergs little by little. If an attempt is made to the bodies back it would have to be made next summer. In. the Antactic the snowfall is continuous, and soon levels up the surface. A cairn marks tho spot where Captain Scott, Dr. Wilson and Lieutenant Bowers sleep, but even by now Captain Oates’s and Petty-officer Evans’s may have become indistinguishable on the ice plain, and would be bird to find, even if their position were fairly accurately charted. No trace was found of Captain Oates by the relief party, and Petty-officer Evans’ was beyong their reach.

Speaking of the memorial erected for Captain Scott and his comrades, a member of the expedition stated that Mr F. Davis, carpenter of the Terra Nova, made a large cross of jarrah timber, which would last almost forever in the Antarctic climate, where there is no decay. The memorial cross was landed in charge of a party consisting of Dr. Atkinson, Messrs Cherry, Garrard, Wright, and Debenham, Seamen Kreaiu j Abbott, and Keohane, 'arid Captain Davis, about ten miles north of Hut Point. 'J he party went away on Monday, January 29th, to erect the cross on Observation Hill, overlooking the Great Ice Barrier. The cross was painted white, the carved lettering being picked out in black. Sydney, February 14.

Professor -David, commenting on the statement regarding the shortage of fuel, said that if the statement was correctly deciphered, it was hard to understand, in view of the fact that after February 17th the party was reduced to four. Many causes contribute to make an otherwise full ration of oil insufficient for an extremely slow march. Secondly, there was the difficulty of avoiding spiling the oil when their hands were numbed by low temperatures. Thirdly, there was the fact that on the last march they were compelled to use powdery snow for melting instead of the denser snow available in* the summer. This necessitated a constant lifting of the lid of the cooker to replenish the supply. Fourthly, much more oil was needed to thaw snow w'hcn the thermometer was at 60 degrees below freezing, than when it was only a few degrees below. Nevertheless, all these reasons must have been perfectly well known to Captain Scott; hence it was inexplicable win he used the word "unaccountable.” No doubt a simple and satisfactory explanation would be forthcoming. Professor David attributes the failure of Captain Oates during the final march to scurvy, and the failure oi the other three w r as due to the extreme fatigue of sledging over the terribly difficult surface of the sandy snow' crystals, combined with the severity of marching through blizzards and drifting snow and often against the wind. He entirely discredits the rumour from Christchurch that the relations of the heads of the expedition were more than a little strained. Doth this and the suggestion that was connected with the work of the relief parties in March, 1912, were foundationless. FOOLISH CANARDS. Christchurch, February 11. Many rumours are in circulation regarding the various phases ot Captain Scott’s expedition. A Press reporter to-night drew the attention of Commander Evans to several statements that are being made and sought to receive an official reply from the Commander. “One cannot give a defence where no defence I is needed,” said Commander Evans, “and I am not going to be brought into a controversy on a series o! rumours which have originate from irj responsible parties.” One rumour j was that Petty-officer Edgar Evans i lias not met his death as described in the official message, but has suffered from brain trouble, which became so serious that he had to be hauled a considerable distance on- a sledge, an undertaking which great-

ly delayed tho party. Commander Evans characterised this statement as cruel, scandalous, and foundationless. Pettel Officer Evans behaved exceptionally well under very trying circumstances. “I know lie did his best, and he was certainly never insane,” declared Commissioner Evans. “Illness he could not prevent, and it was brought about by privations and hardships of which no man could bo ashamed. Rumour also hinted that there wall dissension in tho ranks of the hers of the expedition, but Commander Evans said that this rumour was absolutely without foundation. “I give permission to any pressman to go and converse with any of the men on the Terra Nova and see if they can hear a whisper of dissension,” he continued. “It is a silly unfounded rumour which is not worth contradict-

ing.” The reporter drew Commander Evans’ attention to the cablegram in which Professor David Lad strongly denied the statements of tho London Times that there was dissension in tho party. Commander Evans laughed and then said: “The Professor seems to have hit the right nail on tho head when dealing with tho London Times. i will not be drawn into a discussion on this matter,” continued the Commander,

Later in tho interview Commander Evans said that against tho advice of his doctor he had gone back to tho Antarctic to see his leader throng i and he did not think this looked like dissension. Commander Evans stated emphatically that the depots were not touched by the supporting parties. There was, ho admitted, evaporation of the oil but this was due to the leather washers in the tins. /

IMPRESSING THE CHILDREN. ' Sydney, February 14. At noon on Monday a special lesson referring to the tragedy of the Pole will be given in the New South Wales State schools, THE SCOTT FUND. Sydney, February 14. The Scott fund appeal is meeting with a generous and widespread response. Dunedin, February 14. The Mayor lias opened a fund for the support of the dependents of those who lost their lives in the Antarctic. He has already received a donation of £IOO from the Union Steam Ship Company. AN IMPRESSIVE SERVICE. Sydney, February 14.. An impressive service wgs held in the Anglican Cathedral in memory ol tho Polar heroes. It was attended by the Premier, Lord Mayor, Japanese Admiral and staff and many leading citizens. The Archbishop paid a glowing tribute to tho indomitable, courage and heroism of the dead. They died only to live as deathless heroes. “We will do our best for those left,” lie said, “and not allow them to suffer privation.”

ROYAL CONDOLENCES. Queen Alexandra condoled with Lord Curzon, president of the Royal Geographical Society, regarding the loss of aptain Scott ard party. HON. T. MACKENZIE’S SUGGESTION. The Hon. T. Mackenzie proposes that the New Zealand Government should allow the Hinemoa to proceed to the Antarctic, if a decision is reached, to recover the bodies of the lost explorers. A PRESS TRIBUTE. Melbourne, February 14, The Age, referring to the absorbing interest in Captain Scott’s story, says that never before in history has a last message of a leader who saw certain death in front of him created such a thrill in the minds of nis countrymen. A PATHETIC INCIDENT. Christchurch, February 14. It is understood, in regard to Petty Officer Evans, that that unfortunate seaman’s mind went after leaving tTle Pole, and that his comrades had to drag him some hundreds of miles in a sledge. This practically sealed the fate of the expedition. The bodies of Captain Scott and his two companions were found in their sleeping bags in the tent. SUGGESTED RECOVERY OF THE BODIES. Christchurch, February 14. The suggestion made by' Mr Ernest Davis, of Auckland, that the bodies should ho recovered and buried at St. Pauls’ does not find support among the members of the Terra Nova expedition. They pointed out that ii it was thought right to bring the bodies hack. Commander Evans would have done so when the Terra Nova returned. A CHRISTCHURCH MEMORIAL. A number of leading citizens waited on the Mayor to-day and suggested that some memorial to Captain Scott and the other dead explorers should ho established in Christchurch. The Mayor has consequently decided to call a mooting of citizens to consider the proposal. The mooting will be held on Wednesday next.

MEMORIAL SERVICES. AX IMPRESSIVE SCENE. (Received 9.25 a.m.) London, February 14. Saint Paul’s Cathedral was crowded two hours before the services. The King drove without an escort and wore an Admiral’s uniform. Among those present were Mr Asquith (Prime Minister), Colonel Seely, members of the Cabinet, leaders of the Opposition, the Lord Mayor, relatives of the dead explorers and representatives of the learned societies. Mr Collins represented Sir George Reid. The service started with the singing of the hymn: “Rock of Ages.” The height of solemnity was reached when the “Dead March in Saul” was played by the band. The introduction of the names of the five explorers into the Collect “We humbly leave in Thy Fatherly keeping” made a deep impresison. The service closed with the congregation singing “Jesu, Lover of My Soul,” and Beethoven’s March.

Crowded services were also held at Devonport Dockyard and Portsmouth. LAST PORT OF CALL MEMORIAL. Dunedin, February 15. At the Harbor Board’s meeting last night, a suggestion was made that a memorial be erected at Port Chalmers, as marking Captain Scott’s final departure from New Zealand, the chairman expressed the opinion that there would be no lack of subscribers for such a memorial.