ON THE ICE BARRIER

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1913, Page 7

ON THE ICE BARRIER

HISTORY OF THE EXPEDITION The history of the expedition is as follows :—: — Before the Terra Nova left for New Zealand laet March, Surgeon Atkinson, who had been left in charge of the western party until Captain Scott's return, despatched Mr. Garrard (assistant geologist) Mid Demetri, the dog-driver, with two dog teams to assist the southern party, whose return to Hut Point was expected about 10th March, 1912. Surgeon Atkinson would have accompanied thie party, but was kept back in medical charge of Lieutenant Evans, second in command, who, it will be remembered, nearly died of scurvy. This relief party reached One Ton Depot on 3rd March, but was compelled to return on 10th March, owing, primarily, to dog food running short, also to the persistent bad weather and the poor condition of the dogs after a hard season's work. The dog teams returned to Hut Point on 16th March. The poor animals were mostly frostbitten and incapable of further work. COLLAPSE OF MX. GARRARD. Mr. Garrard collapsed through overstrained heart, and his companion was also sick. Ac it was impossible to communicate with Cape Evans, the ship having left on 4th March, and open sea was lying between, Surgeon Atkinson and Petty Officer Keohane, the only two men loft, sledged out to Corner Camp to render any help that might be wanted by the southern party. They fought their way out to Corner Camp against the unusually severe weather, and, realising that they could be of no assistance, they were* forced to return to Hut Point, after depoting one week's provisions in April. A GALLANT ATTEMPT. When communication with Cape Evans was established, a gallant attempt to relieve Lieutenant Campbell was made by Surgeon Atkinson and Messrs. Wright, Williamson, and Keohane. Thie party reached Butter Point, when they were stopped by open water. Their return was exciting, and nearly ended in disaster, owing to the sea ico breaking Up. , The «c*rch party kit, Capo. Emu

after the winter on 30th October last, organised by Surgeon Atkinson, and consisting of two divisions. Surgeon Atkinson took the dog teams, with Mr. Garrard and Demetri, and Mr. Wright was in charge of tho party including Messrs. Nelson, Gran, Lashley, Crean, Williamson, Keohane, and Hooper, with seven Indian mules. They were provisioned for three months, expecting an extended search. One Ton Camp was found in order, and all provisioned. FINDING THE BODIES. Proceeding along tho old southern route on 12th November, Mr. Wright's party sighted Scott's tent. Within it Were found the bodies of Captain R. F. Scott (Royal Navy), I Dr. E. A. Wilson (chief of the scientific staff), and Lieutenant H. R. Bowers (Royal Indian Marine).