DASH FOR THE POLE

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 464, 24 March 1909, Page 8

DASH FOR THE POLE

NIMROD'S RETURN.

LIEUTENANT SHACKLETON'S PLANS AND PROSPECTS. THE CLAMOUR OF THE ANTARCTIC. INTEEESTINa NOTES AND INTERVIEWS. A Press Association telegram ; states that the Antarctic exploration ship Nimrod, commanded by Lieutenant Shackleton, reached Half Moon Bay, Stewart Island, yesterday morning, on her return journey from the Sonth Polar regions. The message further states: '.. It Is understood that the Nimrod brought back the expedition all well and • successful. The ship left Half Moon Bay at 11.30 a.m., and Is : expected to arrive at Lytteleon on Thursday afternoon. More laconic than Caesar, the assailants of the Pole have been and seen, but will not say if they have conquered.' That knowledge will not be known in New Zealand, which gave £1000 towards,the expedition and other-, wise assisted .it.-,to; set. forth, .until,a ;Londpn. newspaper has received a safe' monopoly of the news.' The "Daily Mail" secured beforehand the first rights of Lieut.' Shackleton's report, and it is suggested that the public of New Zealand will hear the historic story of the expedition when tho Nimrod . reaches Lyttelton-to-morrow—that is after two days' eager waiting, with' the ; dumb ■;of heroic tidings in their.midst',"lf'is p'royofcv ing, but apparently "it, cannot be helped, and happily sufficient has been, said from,time to time by leaders of the , expedition to enable one to gain a good idea of what they aspired to do, tho arms with which they hoped to overcome' the assaults of snow, and ,berg and blizzard in their attack on -.Nature's fortress, , ' and the rewards which : intrepidity, resourcefulness;' and brave contempt for hardships might achieve, even if the final stronghold, the ice-guarded Pole, were unsubdued.

PROGRAMMEfAND PROSPECTS,

CIEUTENANT SHACKLETON'S STATEMENT. . THE GREAT POLAR PROBLEM-. Magnetic, geological, meteorological, "and exploratory objects'were expected ,, to be served ■ by r the' expedition which has 'just returned. The scientific work of the NimrbS was commenced beforo the vessel'reached New Zealand. The expedition' stopped occasionally on the passage from .England to pick , up specimens, and carried out deopeea dredging operations throughout. A large number of specimens ' wore secured, which were to be sent Homo for classifica-. tion to ascertain if anything new. had been discovered. Magnetic survey work .was also carried out wherever possible.' Observations of currents were made, both on. the voyage to Now Zealand and on the way, down to the ice to land the .party, and theses were to be resumed on tho return journey. The Polar Rlddlo, The peculiar geographical aspect of the expedition is especially interesting. "No .one," said il Lieutenant Shackleton/: when he' was in Wellington, ' "knows ' what lies to the south of King Edward Land, because the Discovery's party, which I accompanied, only saw'a short distance through Falling snow and mist. • Wβ hope, .by landing there, going to the westward on to the Great Ice Barrier, and travelling southward over the Barrier surface, to solve the greatest problem that remains in polar work today. The great question to be solved is whether .this vast Barrier is the remains of a sea, frozen in tho last glacial age, with layers upon layers of snow spread on it, or whether it is a great glacier, coming from a gigantic mountain range in the far south. It is from this Barrier, as you-know, that the groat icebergs ■ break off and float up towards the region of New Zealand. It is quite possible, looking at it broadly, that we shall find King Edward tho Seventh Land is the north end of another range i.f mountains similar to that which rre dis--1 covered on the Farthest South- journey with Captain Scott. If these mountains go round to Graham Land, and link up the two lands, it will prove the entire continental nature of the Antarctic, giving an urea probably greater than that of Australia —roughly speaking, some four million square wlos."

PROFESSOR DAVID'S FORECAST. THE DASH FOR THE POLE., DANGERS AND DIFFICULTIES. An excellent account.of the- work before the expedition was given to a Dominion representative before the Nimrod sailed by Professor David professor of geology and Mineralogy at the Sydney University, who was ono of the land party. , First, said.Professor David, there was geological exploration. Ihe Antarctic regions were known to have a vast extent probably not less an area than that of the whole of tho Australian continent—about three million square miles. A vast amount of exploratory work in tins vast area, from the scientific point of view, had been done in Western Antarctica in what is known as King Oscar 11. Land and Louis Pljilippp Land, nearest to Terra del Fuego. A good deal of work was Bcroinplished also by tho Discovery expedition, in . which Li€utenant Shackleton distinguished himself. This work was done in Victoria Land, which chiefly consists of a mighty chain of volcanoes—a continuation of tho Andes of South America—and prolonged northwards through tho Balleney Islands into tho. volcanic zones of New Zealand. This zone is nearly duo south of New Zealand, and includes volcanic peaks, up to a height of 15,000 feet above , sea .. level. From the furthest point reached by Captain Scott, Lieutenant Shackleton and Dr. Wilson on tho Discovery expedition a niagnificent "mountain was so plainly visible that its altitude could be measured near the latitude of about 83deg. S. The present expedition proposed, . after' reaching Franklyn Island, to the north of Mounts Erebus and Terror—the latter the winter quarters of the Discovery' expedition—to turn southeastwards until the Great Ice Barrier was reached. . . ,

A Wonderful Barrier. "This Barrier is one of the most'wonderful pieces of ice in'the whole world," said Professor David. "It extends eastwards in an unbroken cliff from 100 feet to a. maximum height of 280 feet. In places it must be from 12 to 180 feet in thickness. It has boon traced eastwards continually from a width of 500 miles. At the extreme east end, during the Discovery's expedition, traces of land in the form of pieces of rock, standing out in relief against a background of white snow, were dimly seen through rifts in a snowstorm by Captain Scott. It is on tli is eastern lan 3, known as King .Edward .Seventh Land, that * Lieutenant Shackleton proposes to establish his winter quarters, llore, while the gear of tho expedition is .Wiiii; landed, and the sailors are assisting in putting up huts, sheds for tho ponies, wit', a garage for tho motor-car, etc., opportunity niay be afforded for geological exploration. Attempts will be made, by means of sledges to travel some short distances inland to study the character of tho rocks, and search the hillocks for any possible traces of remains of fossil animals or plants. In that part of Antarctica nearest tlio American. Continent remains of fossil plants and animals have already been discovered. It is singular to relate that, in an area which is now continuously shrouded in ice aad snow, thero are sJnuuLwt t.w«i n f

trees allied to the Norfolk pine, and the sequoia of California, as well as of zamias of Australia. It is clear, from this fairly abundant flora, that at one time the islands of Antarctica were clothed with dense forests, nnd in plaoo of glaciers there were no doubt noble rivers rolling down towards the coast. Indeed it is doubtful if at,that time any enow at all existed, even at the South Pole itself. Amongst the . animal fossils _ found may be mentioned the bones of a gigantic penguin, which wore discovered by Dr. Nordenskjold and \his companions. It is interesting to note, as recorded by Mr. Hamilton, ourator of the Wellington Museum, that in the Oamam stone fossilised bones have also been found of a penguin twice tho size of tho largest living species—the Emperor penguin, of Antarctica. This bird weighs horn 601b. to 801b.

Searoh lor Fossils. .'it is just possible,", continued Professor David, "that in the limited outcrops of rock in King Edward Seventh Land traces of fossils may bo found." The scientist had greater hopes of finding interesting specimens by dredging in the sea in front of the Ico Barrier. This ice mass—a huge glacier—has swept down with it specimens of all sorts of rocks from various parts of tho Antarctic Continent. The ice, travelling at the constant rate of ' about one-third of a mile a year, has deposited these rocks on the bed of the ocean, and formed a rich harvest for tho geologist. "It is also hoped," said Professor David, "that observations may be mado regarding the structure of this wonderful ice mass by "studying tho crevasses, or by means lof a light hand-boring apparatus, with which the expedition is provided." .■-'■■ : 'i; ' Kiteflying. Attempts we're- also fo b<? made to ascertain tho direction and heights of tho upper air currents. For this purposo kites were to be used. Attached'to them would bo pianoforte wires. If the weather permitted, which Professor David considered doubtful, self-re-gistering barometers and thermometers would also be sent up by ineans of cellular or box ;kitos, of a pattern invented by Mr. Lawrence Hargroaves, of Sydney. The frequency of blizzards would' probably render the kite experiments impossible, but even a little information on tho subject of upper air currents should be of scientific value in supplying a knowledge of the factors that go to control the weather generally in the Southern Hemisphere. ..■■"■ Search for the Pole.

..Questioned as to what success he thought Lieutenant Shackleton would 'have in his . journey: to the Pole, Professor David said ho had little doubt as to the entire soundness* of:his. theory that the use of tho motor car on the Great? Ice Barrier was quite practicable for drawing the heavy sledges several hundred miles. .Ono danger to be anticipated was from the sharp ridges of snow known as Sastrugi. These high ridges aro' very i steep on the leeward side, and slope gently to windward, and sometimes it would be difficult to get a car across them. Another more serious danger was to be apprehended from hidden crevasses. These great cracks in the ice descend to immense depths -—several hundreds of feet—and often cannot bo detected on the surface because of drift snow filling them for a few feet down. In sbine cases the Manchufian ponies might bo , able to pass over such places, whereas tho snow might give wav.jinder tho heavy motor car. Every precaution would no doubt be taken to examine the ground ahead of the car as much as possible. It was hoped that the car would make at least 25 miles a day. ■

The FlnalDash. ' It was thought probable that the Icetßarrier formed-almost an equilateral triangle with its base on the Roth Sea, and the opposito angle not far from tho South Polo. This southern angle, however, the professor considered, would mean difficulties for the travellers. In all probability, in view of the trend of the mountain, chain, the South Polo •lay.-in'ah area of mountainous lands or a more or less high 'plateau. "• This would mean -that for the' laU^lOCKqr , 200 -miles of the journey much crev'assed ice would have to be travelled over. For this work the motor car would be useless, and recourse would have to be had to the-ponies and dogs. It was also probable that a good deal of soft snow would be found close to the Pole, in view of the faot that there aro groat .warm currents of air going from the Equator, and descending more or less laden with moisture, and this it was likely would be deposited in snow fairly abundantly near the Pole. '■'From this," said the scientist, "it will be seen that it is not so much the first as tho last stage that wiU cause the great effort. If, however, there is a man likely to succeed in such' an arduous enterprise, it is Lieutenant Shackleton." ; "MORE THAN THE POLE." CAPTAIN ENGLAND'S HOPE. Interviewed on the first arrival of the Nimrod at Lyttclton, Captain England said: "Tho camp will be 700 miles from the Pole, and parties of three (leaving three at the base) will radiate thence to the south, east, and west. The expedition must not be accepted purely as a dash for tho Pole. That,of course, is one of the objects, but the work is-also to cover scientific exploration of a comprehensive character. We hope the conquest of the Pole will include part of the success, but not all of it." 4 Whcn Lieutenant Shackleton was in Now Zealand he expressed his willingness to make collections for the principal museums of the Dominion of the animals, insects, etc., found —a most valuable and generous offer.

LATEST SPECULATIONS. I CHANCES OF SHORE PARTY. DISCUSSED BY CAPTAIN ENGLAND. Captain England,, who took the Nimrod south on her first voyage, indulged in the following." interesting . speculations to a "Lyttcltqh Times" interviewer last week:— Ono of the most important considerations to be dealt with was the journey "farthest south." In the scheme" of exploration, three big journeys had been provided for. One was to go to the eastward from the winter quartors at Cape lloyds; in MacMurdo Sound, another west, and another ..south. It was probable that Professor Dayid.would go on the western journey, so' that he would . have opportunities for doing geological work in the Western Mountains. There was no reason to expect any delay in the, return of either that party or the eastern one to tho winter quarters, and their movements would not be likely to affect the Nimrod's return journey. The "southern journey, with its equipment of Manchurian ponies and the motor-car, would push on as far as possible to tho geographical i'ole. The members of that party were not selected until after the expedition had been taken to tho Antarctic. It was not possible, therefore,'to say who bad been chosen. It depem'ed on the health and fitness of members' of the expedition at tho time the party set'out from tho winter quarters. Lieutenant Shackleton might have led the party or ho might not-; his mind had not been made up when the expedition left New Zealand, and if ho thought that tho state of his own health might jeopardise the success of the attempt to reach the Polo ho would have relinquished the leadership of the farthest-south journey to someone elso. The proposal was that six of tho fittest men should be chosen. Three of them would go a certain distanco i and ■then return to tho winter quarters, with a report of tho prospects ahead, and the other throe would push on to tho farthest limit. In Scott's Footsteps. Captain Scott's turning-point in 1902 was it 82 degrees. 17 minutes. That was about 260 mUos from MacMurdo Sound. Captain Scott started in November and returned to his winter quarters early in February. Hβ however, was unfortunate enough to lose all his dogs. With bettor conditions ho would probably have gone further. The distance From the Sound to.tho Pole, was about 720 miles. Lieutenant Shncldeton had intended to start on his southern journey to Octooer last. He would probably have returned some time lato, in January or early in February, and that would give him ample time to bo ready to embark in the Nimrod. Lieutenant i Shackleton wa» a number of Captain Scott'l

farthest south party. Ho would havo to practically follow Captain Scott's route, otherwise he would bo taken far out of tho way. If ho did tnko tho ok! routo there would bo 250 miles out of tho 720 that would bo known to him. If tho farthest south party returned to tho winter quarters early uiFobruary, which was most likely, sparo time would probably bo mado uso of for work which Lieutenant Shackloton wished to do. For one thing, he intended to make fresh charts of tho uco of tho Groat Ico Barrier, and he had other work that ho wished to take in hand. That would ontail further delay.

through narrow lanes of ice, and then an open bay was roached, alive with huge, finned-back' , whales. After difficulties caused by the breaking of the ice-barrie"r, and dangers due to blizzards, a hut was built in a sheltered valley at the foot of Mount Erebus, on Cape Royds, about 20 miles north of tho Discovery's winter quarters, and a shore party landed. The Nimrod then returned to Lyttelton, which she reached on March 8; 1908. The shore party, of about a dozen men, includod Lieutenant Sbackloton as leader, i'rofessor David, of Sydney University, Sir

Philip lirocklehurst, Mr. Murray, biologist, Mr. Douglas Mawson, chemist ami physicist, of Adelaide, and Mr. Armytngo, general sleilger. Mr. M'lntosh, who ivns to hnvo stayed, had tho misfortune to lose an eyo by an ncciclent on board tho Niinrod, and returned with her to Lyttelton. The Nimrod left Lyttelton on her second voyage, to bring off the exploring party, on December I, ])/03. Captain England hnd re.-igned his command of the vessel in the meantime, and on her second trip she was commanded by Captain Evans, formerly of the Koonya. Tho other officers ivere niiolianged, and the crow was the same, ex-