THE ANTARCTIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1004, 13 June 1911, Page 4

THE ANTARCTIC.

AMMUNDSEN’S PROJECT,

Captain Nilsen, commanding the Fram. Captain Amundsen’s vessel, was interviewed at Buenos Ayres on April 19th, on behalf of London papers. He declared that Captain Amundsen, on board the Fram, arrived in the Antarctic regions on January 14th last. He endeavoured to find a favourable spot for anchoring, and found it the next day. The Fram dropped anchor safely quite close to a comparatively elevated coast, aud the work of landing the instruments, dogs, sledges aud provisions was immediately begun. Several days were spent in this task. Captain Amundsen then established his first camp on a hill close to where the Fram was moored, aud began to make his preparations for the dash to the Pole. Captain Amundsen decided that the Fram, in order to escape the Antarctic winter, should leave as soon as possible, and she accordingly sailed on February 14th before the captain had started for the i-outh.

The Fram starts after a few weeks ou another voyage between Africa and South America, which was to be devoted to the study of winds and currents, oceanography, scientific observations and similar subjei ts. She will return to Buenos Ayres to renew her stores before proceeding again to the Antarctic. It is expected to leave Buenos Ayres on October Ist, when Captain Nilsen proceeds direct iu search of Captain Amundsen aud his party. He denied that Captain Amundsen had an aeroplane, as had been stated in certain scientific reviews.

Captain Nilsen was very reticent concerning the plans and projects of Captain Amundsen, and on being asked as to the name aud exact position of the point from which Captain Amundsen would make his dash for the Pole, he declared that the place still lacked a name. It appeared as if he were anxious to give no information about the exact position and route of Captain Amundsen. Captain Nilsen states that the Fram reached a latitude of 78 degrees qimin—the most southerly point ever attained by a ship. In a letter to the Times, dated February 9th, Captain Amundsen stated that he intended to establish his main depot at Sodeg. south and a smaller one as far south as possible. He hoped to reach Sjdeg. for the smaller depot in the autumn before the dark season.