THE DASH FOR THE POLE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13647, 12 February 1913, Page 6

THE DASH FOR THE POLE.

coMi*osrnoN of the party;

Captain Scott's detailed and absorbing^ niteiesting description of the 'work .accomplished by the expedition up U)'ii;o nine of th©'Terra .Nova's ciejK.,rtui\o- ua tli© return to New Zealand was given to the world, in April last, and a most 'thrilling narrative of difficulties seemingly insuperable overcome, by, indomitable courage, endurance, a,rid resouice. It is too lengthy for repetition hero, and a condensation oould not do it justice, it will not,be aut "of jlkioe,; (however, *o 'reproduce the gallant leader's, optimistic refer-, cuco'to the Pole-ward clash, written,[on January 30th 1912, when the party was 150 miles.from, the ,I'ole, in lat. 87.32 'south':-— ,■■■■",/■■ -','"; . • •'" --';•'■ " ■">."■; I am .going forward with a party,of five men, and am sending three back under Lieutenant Evans with 'fchi/s note. The names and descriptions of the advance party are:— ~ Captain Scott, R.N. ' Dr. Wilson, Chief of Scientist Staff. Captain Oatos, Inniskilling Dragoons (in charge of ponies and mules). Lieutenant Bowers, Royal Indian Marine,. Commissariat Officer, Petty' Officer Evans, R.N., in charge of sledges and equipment. The advance party goes forward with a month's provisions, and the prospect rof success-seems good, provided that the weather holds and no unforeseen obstacles arise. It has been very difficult to choo.se the advance party, as every one is fit and able to go forward. Those who return are naturally much disappointed. Every one has worked his hardest.

The weather on the plateau has been good on the whole. The sun has never deserted us, but temperatures are ow (now about mijnus 20deg.), and the wind is pretty constant. However, we are excellently iequipped for such conditipns, and the wind undoubtedly improves the surface., So far all the arrangements have worked out,.most satisfactorily. It is more than probable that no further news will be received from us this year, as our -return' must necessarily be late.