THE ANTARCTIC.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 205, 3 October 1914, Page 11

THE ANTARCTIC.

SIR DOUGLAS MAWSON'S STORY. The opportunity of hearing Sir Douglas Mawson's narrative of his Antarctic expedition will be enjoyed by the public of Cliristchurch on Wednesday and Thursday next. Sir Douglas Vis to give two lectures in the Theatre Royal, the net proceeds of which will be devoted to discharging the debt of the expedition. It will be remembered that the expedition experienced to the full the hardships which assail Antarctic explorers, and that though Death took its toll, the conduct of . the explorers Avas distinguished by heroism and endurance of the grandest nature. Sir. Douglas gives a vivid account of the fatal journey, on which he was accompanied by Lieutenant, Ninnis and Dr Mertz. Poor Ninnis fell down a crevasse, and the other two, looking down the chasm; saw two of the sledge dogs 150 ft below,' one dead and the other with its back broken. They had only a,few days' food left, and were P.OO miles from the winter quarters. They covered long stages- but cold and hunger were their deadly foes, and Mawson woke up one morning and found his companion dead. He had still 100 miles to go, and the <*old was Reeling his skin off and leaving raw patches. He pushed on with his lonely journey, but was fated to experience one further misfortune. He slipped into a crevasse, and hung there at the end of the rope. It seemed like the end, but by a superhuman effoct he managed to escape. Sir Douglas shows many fascinating pictures ol; bird life on the Antarctic continent and at Macquarie Island, and there are wonderful films depicting penguins, seals, and sea elephants. The pictures al-Q really wonderful, nofc only for their 'Scientific value, but also for their beauty and popular interest.