Antarctic Mysticism

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31096, 27 June 1966, Page 6

Antarctic Mysticism

The tragedy of Antarctica was that the mystical feeling of security which could be experienced in complete isolation was gradually being lost with the encroachment of civilisation, Mr A. Hayter told members of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Antarctic Society at the MidWinter’s Day celebrations in Christchurch.

Mr Hayter, who was leader of the New Zealand party at Scott Base for the 1964-65 season, said that only those who i had wintered in Antarctica could know the unknown quality which gave men a greater depth of perception. “The supreme knowledge is gained down there,” he said. “Men work together on the knife-edge of balance, and this balance is only maintained by forward movement. In Antarctica a reconciliation of the positive and negative values of life is achieved. “When men return from this isolation let them keep the madness they acquired down there. It is more than madness; it is a wonderful sense of values.”

Mr Hayter was welcomed by the president of the branch (Mr R. M. Heke) who expressed his satisfaction that

the Government was supporting the efforts of the Ross Sea Committee in Antarctica. “On December 21, 1956, just 10 years ago, the first New Zealand expedition left for Antarctica,” said Mr Heke. What has been accomplished there since is a memorial to those first men who laid the foundations of the present Scott Base. We have accomplished a good deal, and we shall continue to achieve even more.” Mr Heke welcomed other guests of honour who included the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning, Commander W. H. Withrow, and Mrs Withrow, and three members of the crew of the Terra Nova in its last voyage, Messrs M. McCarthy, W. Burton and W. McDonald. Mr R. B. Thomson, superintendent of the Antarctic Division of the D.5.1.R., and Mr C. Clark, leader-elect of the next New Zealand party were also present as members of the society. Commander Withrow said that the occasion was a sad one for him and his wife. In a few weeks they would return to their home in the United States and this would be their last Mid-W'inter’s Day dinner in Christchurch.

“Although conditions have improved vastly since the first volunteers went south, I think that just as many would go today if nothing had changed at all,” he said. “The world is fortunate that a spirit of adventure still remains. In this isolated outpost peace and harmony exists as men strive towards a common goal. This is one of the few places this is being achieved in the world today, and it demonstrates the possibilities of such a common striving.” Commander Withrow read a message received from McMurdo Station sending MidWinter’s Day greetings to the branch from the naval and civilian staff of the five American bases in the Antarctic including the coldest station

on the Polar Plateau where the temperature yesterday was minus 115 degrees Fahrenheit