NEARING THE POLE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13382, 3 April 1912, Page 5

NEARING THE POLE.

On January 3rd latitude 87.32 was ro-ached and a height of about 9800 foot. After leaving tho .glacier depot for the south tho Mt Darwin party stcored southwest for two days, hut thi.s did not keep them clear from tho pressure of ridges uml crevasses, which oc-

curred frequently. They then rose rap-

idly in altitude and found it less difficult on the third and fourth days, wheh owing to the altitude they got a splendid .view. Since leaving tho depot the-marchoa averaged 15 miles daily. Tho party was now -within 150 miles of tho Pole. From hero Captain Scqlt was going forward with four others,-, theso being Dr Wilson (chief of tlw scientific party), Captain Oates (who had been in charge of tho ponies), Lienp Bowers, and Petty-Officer Evans. Three others under Lieut Evans, returned with* this note. , . \ ' The advance party i!ook a month'n provisions. The prospect of success seemed good, providing the weather held good and no unforeseen obstacle arose. ■ It was very difficult to choose."- the* advance party, as all wore fit and 'ablo to go forward. Those returning wero much disappointed. The weather on the plateau had been good on the whole. The sun had nevev deserted them, but the temperatures were low. At tho time Lieut Evans left it was minus 20 degrees. The wind was pretty constant. The party, however, was excellently equipped. All arrangements had worked out satisfactorily.