COMMANDER EVANS INTERVIEWED.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1674, 14 February 1913, Page 5

COMMANDER EVANS INTERVIEWED.

DEEDS OF BRAVERY. (By holograph.—Prcaa Aesoclation.) . Christchurch, Fobruary 13. ■ Press representatives this afternoon in- , .Wvtywed Commander Evans in regard to ; a number of matters which have been commented upon in,connection with the fstory of the tragic expedition, as it has been given to the public. Referring ,to, Mrs. Scott, he said: "I ivill remain in New Zealand until Mrs. Scott arrives in Wellington, and with her brother. Lieutenant Bruce, of the expedition, will meet her there." _ Asked as to whether thero was any likelihood of the bodies being brought" back, Commandei" Evans said: "The best.people to judeo of that question aro those who served with Captain Scott and his gallant comrades. They were his con. 'Btaut companions for over two years. Had wo ourselves been in tho.saihe place as Captain Scott,and those who perished with him wo could only have wished that our bodies might remain at rest whero fro had given our beat efforts in the cause wo so carnally believed ill." -'"'Commander Evans then referred to tho bravery shown by. Chief Stoker Lashley flnd Potty Officer Krean after leaving on their return to. camp. Tho trying experiences which Commander Evans wentthrough are to bo i found in the .fact that .on January 17 ho was compelled to curtail his entries in his diary. For four days following ho . could only record his experiences very briefly. and alter that he had to give up altogether.

"To two men who wore with me," Enid Commander Evans, "I owe my life, and I do feel that no tribute of their services can ever be high enough." Early in the journey Commander Evans was attacked by scurvy, but he endeavoured to withhold this fact from his companions, and bravely pushed on. The plight of Commander Evans now became apparent to them, however, and ho expressed a desiro that the men'should push on, and leave him in o tent which they had erected. The men refused to do that, nnd Commander Evans said ho would command them to do so. They then replied that for the first time they would disobey the Commander. Eventually, tho journey was continued, and Commander Evans succeeded in lnnkiiifj soino distance under very trying conditions. Eventually. everything they were carrying except what'they stood in was thrown off tho sltdge., Commander Evans wa9 then placed on the sledge' and brought into camp. . ■

Continuing, Commander . Evans said those two men isould <lo again what they had already done, and with tho same cheerful spirit and with as little thought for self.

"We are not out to pr'niee one another," added Commander Evans, "but I cannot let the conduct of these men pass unnoticed." -

MESSAGES. TO COMMANDER EVANS. Christchurch, February lfl. Commander Evans has received the following cable messages:—. Chicago: Deep sorrow at loss of comrades; Congratulations on success of expedition.—Amundsen.

Loudon: Wo have opened a fund for tho dependents of tho Polar heroes, giving J2OOO ourselves.—Editor, "Daily Chronicle."

Adelaide: On behalf of the State of South Australia, and Governor, deepest sympathy in tho. torriblo catasEropho which has befallon your leader and'shipmates. Sincere congratulations on. tho splendid behaviour of every member of the expedition—Day Bosanquet.(Governor of the State).

London: Deepest regret and admiration for the heroism displayed. . Tho London Geojrraphicfll Society heard with profound grief of tho lamentable disaster to Captain Scott and his It is everywhere regarded as a national calamity. I offer sincero sympathy to the remainder of. the party, whom we hopa aro well.—Curzon, President Geographical Society; Syduey: All here, Taylor, Day,' Joyce, and self deeply symp4this« with you in tho loss of your great Antarctic leader and brave comrades.—Professor David.