POLAR EXPLORATION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1101, 13 April 1911, Page 5

POLAR EXPLORATION.

MAWSON PROJECT APPROVED,

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyrteat London, April 11.

In lecturing on his proposed expedition to Antarctica' before the Royal Geographical Society, Dr. Mawson dwelt on the meteorological features of the Antarctic and also the possibilities of predicting the weather for Australia. He referred to the desirableness of establishing meteorological stations at Adelie Land and westward thereof. ' ' '

Major Leonard Darwin, president of the Royal Geographical Society, who presided, predicted that Captain Scott's expedition would yield snlendid scientific results. -

. Speaking of Captain Amundsen, he said that, while no explorer had any vested right by exploration and all foreign competition in tho Antarctic was welcome, it was' to be regretted that Captain "Amundsen did not give an opportunity of discussing his plans before leaving Europe. Hβ was glad that most cordial relationships had been established between tho Norwegian and the British expedition. It must not be supposed that the grant of .£SOO measured the society's goodwill • towards Dr. Man-son's expedition.

Sir George Reid (High Commissioner for 'Australia) paid a tribute to Dr. Man'son's pluck and knowledge and devotion to puro science.' The Australian Government had helped a number of British expeditious: why should not the British Government help Dr. Maw Eon's? The Royal Geographical Society had done far 'more for Dr. Mawsbn's work than the giving of .£SOO. It had endorsed the project.

Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland, emphasised the probable result of the expedition's mineral discoveries.

Sir Ernest Shackleton warmly wished Dr. Mawson success. .