WORDS IN WELLINGTON

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 35, 11 February 1913, Page 7

WORDS IN WELLINGTON

AN INTERVIEW IN 1910. " THE EXPLORER'S HOPES. On 26th October, 1910, Captain Scotti landed in Wellington from Sydney to complete his preparations for the great expedition. v "An effort of this kind," he then said to a Post interviewer, "ie largely of, 6entimental interest, but I believe every* body in the Empire Would wish to sco the work that has been dolio completed rather than other nations should send forth expeditions and plant their flag, before our own."' The expedition, he continued, was not organised with the sole object of reaching a geographical point, Every concession must be made in these days of_ enlightenment to the interest* of science and to taking advantage of every opportunity of studying the natural im^ , tures of the regions visited. No similar expedition had ever had such a large scientific staff aa this one. One ideal was to find Borne fossil niar&upial animal to show that Australia and Soutlt America were at one time connected. Referring to finance the explorer said that he waß extremely pleased 'with thd men and the ship and her equipment,' and the (splendid spirit of all on board of her. He had not enough funds in. sight to_ meet the needs of the parly for- a' third season, but lie was hopeful of fur« ' ther aid. He acknowledged with warm thanks the cordiality and sympathy of the people of Australia and New Zealand and spoke particularly about the gift* of material by New Zealanders and the contribution of £1000 by the Government.