THE CONDUCT OF COURTAULD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 111, 13 May 1931, Page 6

THE CONDUCT OF COURTAULD

THE conduct of the Arctic explorer, Courtauld, in electing to remain on the ice cap of Greenland during the whole of the winter with the prospect of not being rescued during the next summer, was a decision calling for the highest moral courage. It recalls that pathetic incident which was enacted in the Antarctic when Commander Scott perished with four companions. It was then that Oates made his great renunciation. Realising himself to be a drag upon his companions, he went out into the blizzard to face certain death alone. He had no hope of not reaching safety and although his sacrifice came too late and the. fatal distance of eleven miles to the depot was never to be attempted, Oates did face up to his proposition and did not finch. It was heroic, and it will live in story as a great feat of self-renunciation. But C'ourtauld’s courage excels that of Oates. Courtauld had quite as good a chance of getting out as any of his companions. It was their safety and their safety alone which was his consideration. To ensure that safety lie himself decided to remain alone braving the perils, enduring the discomforts and rigours of that pitiless region and sustaining himself in that awful loneliness of the long, long Arctic night. That so heroic a gentleman should be rescued is great news indeed. The great cost is not one penny too much. It is to be hoped, however, that the tremendous cost of rescue, set down to-day at some £20,000, will not be borne by Courtauld’« relatives alone. Such a fine feat of heroism, in decision and in endurance should not go without its full share of recognition which surely should include the cost of his rescue.