The Dominion. MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 1914. THE FASCINATION OF POLAR ADVENTURE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1961, 19 January 1914, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 1914. THE FASCINATION OF POLAR ADVENTURE.

Of Polar expeditions there seems to be no end ! The tragic conclusion of Captain Scott's great dash to the South Pole has certainly done nothing to quench the British spirit of adventure which has done so much to extend human knowledge and io enlarge tho boundaries of civilisation. Sir Ernest SiuciaETON.is now planning and preparing for a great- journey right through tho Antarctic regions, passing across the Pole on his way. The idea is that the expedition should go from sea to sea—from South America to New Zealand. It is a daring undertaking, and somepeople say it is too hazardous; but Professor David, who speaks with authority on these matters, considers that tho idea is perfectly feasible. Dn, Mawson is at present in the Antarctic, and is being kept in touch with the outer world by means of wireless telegraphy. His object is to study meteorology, and to make a scientific examination on the spot of tho various products of the frozen South. Another British party, under Captain Stackhouse, is making ready for an Antarctic voyage, the intention being to continue the work of exploring King Edward Land, which was commenced by Scott's expedition. So keen is tho desire for adventure, that Captain Stackhouse has already received no fewer than 4800 applications from mea wishing to. take part. One peer has even oxpressed his willingness to become a cook's boy if no other position can be found for him. Modern Polar exploration may not be attended by the same intensity of human interest which surrounded tho voyages of Marco Polo, Columbus, and Uaptain Cook, with their discoveries of hew and strange civilisations and savage races, with weird and wonderful manners and customs; but they have the same marvellous lure of adven-' ture and the fascination of a leap into the unknown. .: . \ But the peril and glory of Polar voyages are not confined to British enterprise. It cannot be forgotten that the honour of discovering the North Pole belongs to the United States and the first man to reach the South Pole was a Norwegian. It is true' that Ajiundsen had a wonderful run of luck, whereas the steps of Scotf. were dogged by misfortune from beginning to end. Still, no right-mind-ed Britisher begrudges cither Peary or Amundsen the success.'., they achieved, though national, pride, would have liked to havo seen at least one of the prizes secured . hy-, Englishmen, and our hearts go out; in sympathy for Captain Scon in hisdeep disappointment when he found: I'that, after overcoming eo many.diffiv

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