STATEMENT BY COMMANDER EVANS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1913, Page 8

STATEMENT BY COMMANDER EVANS

'fri'- MLEOBAPU— 'SMSOIAI, HO THE TOST.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Commander Evans explained to a gathering of- newspaper men that he cannot boAiaterviewed, as the expedition is pdrely' naval. At the same time, he ga-vei. a-, statement, prefacing it by the remark that the gallantry of Captain Scott and the southern party had never been surpassed, and the survivors were not disposed to advertise themselves ; at the -expense of the others. The ship's party, steering for Cape "Evarißs, had arranged to give Captain Scott and his companions a ,great»owation. Their accommodation was made ready and luxuries were brought ,up from 1 the stores. The ship steanled easily to her winter quarters and anchored a quarter of a mile off with ihe'' colours flying. A large party ashore cheered and the ship's company responded. Commander Evans identified Lieu« tenant Campbell, and as Captain Scott -could not be discerned in the group the former shouted : "Are you all well." •Lietitenaat Campbell replied : "The southern party reached the Pole on 18th January last year, but were all lost on the way back. We have their records." Captain Scott's total distance to the 'Pole and- back was 1842 statute miles, and reckoning the progress of the supporting parties, Scott should iiave retained "to Hut Point by 10th March. Captain Scott's last message, however, told of misfortune on misfortune impossible to overcome. THE" FUEL SHORTAGE. Questioned regarding Captain Scott's expressed astonishment at the shortage of fuel in the depots, Commandpr Evans said Captain Scott had fuel to last a month beyond fch* expected date of his return. Regarding Seaman Evans's accident, Commander Evans said i— "On the ic,e ridges the men had to olimb ten feet and slide down the other side. Minor accidents were unavoidable." The ship brought back evoiy written record oi the southern party including ' the private diaries of J-icott, Bowers, Wilson, Oates, and Evans. These will not be published but will he handed to the relatives first. Captain Scott kept a day to day record to 24th March,' and spent the last day writing a pitblic message. The- bodies could have been brought tip, but all hands agreed it was better to leave 'them in their white mantle H ..where they worked and died. A cairn overlooking the barrier v.-as considered the best memorial.