Lecture by Commander Evans.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1757, 23 May 1913, Page 5

Lecture by Commander Evans.

Commander Evans, of the Terra Nova, gave a lecture, which was illustrated by a wonderful exhibition of photographs and kinonmtograph films. He warmly praised tho gallantry of tho supporting parties, especially that led by Mr. Aleares. Commander Evans stated that Captain .Scott's organisation and complete equipment were so splendid that tho expedition remained self-contained even after his death. He paid a tribute to tho bravery of Lieutenant Bowers and Messrs. Cherry, Garrard, and Crean when adrift on the sea ice near Hut Point, Crean gallantly jumping from floe to floe, going to the assistance of Lieutenant Bowers and Mr. Garrard (assistant geologist), who were afloat on broken ice, with the peuies for a whole day before being rescued.

Describing the work of the expedition in Dry Valley, Commander Evans said that they had found a lake full of algae. They washed tho gravel for gold, but only found magnetite.

Tho lecturer then went on to detail tho life of tho party in winter quarters and Wilson's journey to Capo Crosier to observe the habits of tho penguins. Tho party almost perished, as in a gale tho tent blew away and they slept in their sleeping bags in the open for two days.

When tho southern inarch began, Meares"s supporting party travelled further south than his return rations warranted. He and Demetri (the dog-driver) on tho 450-milo northward march deprived themselves of one meal daily la order not to deplete tho depots.

Watched Them Disappear. When the turn of the last supporting party came to -leave Captain Scott on his dash for ( ho pale, Commander Evans continued, they gave three cheers, and watched tho intrepid five disappear over tho horizon. /

Commander Evans recounted how he had secretly advanced the hands of his watch in order to get an extra hour's march on the homeward journey, and ho eulogised Crean and Lashley in refusing to loavo him when attacked with scurvy. Poth of th<\se men had been recommended for the Albert medal,

As Revealed by the Diary. Tlra Terra Nova's commander next detailed Captain Scotfs journey -to the South Pole as revealed in. the dinry found when the bodies of the heroic party wero discovered.

The diary stated that Captain Scott's party came upon Amundsen's dog tracks in latitude BS, and followed them to tho Pole, which was located within half a mile of Amundsen's calculations by dead reckonings.

Commander Evans described tho fine work of both expeditions, and mentioned the fact that Lady Scott had • remarked on. the magnificent spirit of tho party in not making any uncharitable remark when they knew that they lad been anticipated in their ambition.

On the rehirn journey, said Captain Evans, and after Seaman Evans's death, Captain Scott must have realised by the gradually shortened marches what little hope there ivas of reaching tho winter quarters. In tho later stages only threo miles were covered daily. "Slog On; Just Slog On." Captain Oates, it was recorded, waa badly frost-bitten, and constantly appealed for Dr. Wilson's advice: "What coiftl he do?" Dr. Wilson could only answer: "Slog on; just slog on." Captain Oates died on his birthday. Dr. Wilson, said Commander Evans, was nicknamed "The Peacemaker," and thanks to hjm tho members of tli-o expedition had never had a quarrel or an angry word.

Lieutenant Bowers was tlio ]>2t humorist of the party. Tip was a marvellous little follow-, whom Captain Scurf had described as tlio hardiest man why ever undertook a Polar journey. Captain Scott himself, concluded the lecturer, was the heart and brain- of the expedition.