Lieut. Peary's Expedition.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 580, 26 November 1902, Page 2

Lieut. Peary's Expedition.

THE MOST NORTHERLY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.

Lieutenant Peary, in an interview published in the New York World, claims that the scientific results of his expedition arc far more valuable than if it bad reached the North Pole, the discovery of which is a more or less spectacular achivement. Perhaps the most important non-scientifi-result is tho conclusive proof that Arcticexploration can be carried on without great danger or exceptional hardships—indeed, a man of the right sort can work as well in the Arctic regions as in New York. Lieutenant Peary said he had made a close study of the Esquimaux living in Whale Sound, the most northerly people in the world. Their complete isolation has differentiated them from every other race. They are a small tribe, not exceeding 2uo in number, and are being rapidly destroyed by an unknown disease, apparently a malignant slow fever. Lieut. Peary collected specimens of everything pertaining to their habits, knew every man, woman, and child personally, their characters and capacities, and taught them to work. He employed them extensively, and paid them with weapons and utensils by which their ability to procure food is infinitely increased, so much so that their manner of life is being revolutionised.— “ Laffan.”