THE JAPANESE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 955, 16 February 1911, Page 4

THE JAPANESE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.

The Japanese expedition left Wellington for the Antarctic on Saturday. According to an article in the Japan Magazine, Lieut. Shirase, in command of the expedition, who formerly belonged to the Japanese Commissariat, was fascinated with the idea of Polar exploration some years ago, and he enlisted the support of the late General Kodama for a North Pole scheme. Following the general’s advice to accustom himself to the Arctic climate, he betook himself to the Behring Straits and the land of the Eskimo, where he lived for two years, enduring all manner of hardships, and inuring himself to the Arctic weather. The war with Russia intervened to prevent the accomplishment of the plan, and the death of General Kodama was another obstacle. Peary’s expedition to the North Pole determined Lieut. Shirase to turn his attention to the Antarctic. Lieutenant Shirase is a total abstainer from alcoholic drink, and the use of tobacco, has trained himself to endure extreme cold, and invariably eats cold food. He has never tasted medicine of any kind, and physically is well prepared lor the work he is undertaking. He has issued articles of covenant, to' which all members of the party are required to subscribe, and by which they will be compelled to abide. The use of alcoholic drink is strictly prohibited, and caution as to economy with food and care of animals is not forgotten.