THE POLAR TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1063, 13 February 1913, Page 3

THE POLAR TRAGEDY.

THE SEARCH PARTY’S STORY. UNSUCCESSFUL EFFORTS. GREAT PRIVATIONS ENDURED. FINDING THE DEAD EXPLORERS. The history of tho expedition is as follows : Before the Terra Nova left for New Zealand last March, Surgeon Atkinson, who hud been left in charge of the western party* until Scott’s return, despatched Garrard - and Dcmctri to Dog river with two dog teams to assist tho southern parly, whose return to Hut point was expected about March 10th, 1912. Atkinson would have accompanied this party, but was kept back in medical charge of Lieutenant Eva ns, second in command, who, it wi!,[ bo remembered, nearly died of scurvy. This relief party readied tho One Ton depot on March 3rd, but was compelled to return on March 10th, owing primarily to dog food running short, also to persistent bad weather and the poor condition of dogs after such a hard season's work. The dog teams returned to Hut point on 16th March, iho poor animals being moHly frostbitten and incapable of further work. Garrard collapsed through ;,-u overstrained heart, and Ids companion was also sick. As it was impossible to communicate with Capo Evans (the ship having left on 4th March, and an open sea lying between), Atkinson and Keohano, the only two men left, sledged out to Corner camp to render any help that might be wanted by the southern party. They fought their ■way out to Corner ramp against unusually severe weather, and, realising that they cotlld be of no assistance, were forced to return- to Hut point after depoting one week’s provisionsIn April, when rommunication with Cape Evans was established, a gallant attempt to relievo Lieut, (‘aim.bell wav made by Atki.moa, Wrigln. V\ illiam-on and Keohano. This party readied Butter point, when they were stopped by open water. Their return was exciting, and nearly ended in disaster, owing to tho sea ice breaking up. A search party left Cape Evans after the winter on 30th October last, organised by Surgeon Atkinson, and consisting of two divisions—Atkinson taking the dog teams with Garrard and Dcmotri; and Wright in charge of the other party, including Nelson, Gran, Lushley, Groan, Williamson, Keohano and Hooper, with seven Indian mules They were provisioned for three months, expecting an extended search. On 12th November Wright’s party sighted Scott’s tent. Within it were found tho bodies of Captain R. Scott, R.N.: Doctor E. A. Wilson, • Chief of Scientific Staff; and Lieut. H. R. Bower, Royal Indian Marines. From their records the following information was gleaned : HOW THEY DIED. The first deatli was that of Seaman Edgar Evans, petty officer. Royal Navy, official number 160225, who died on February 17th, at tho foot of Beardmore Glacier. His death was accelerated by concussion of the brain, sustained while travelling over rough ice some time before. Captain L. E. G. Oates, Inniskilling Dragoons, was next lost. His feet and hands wore badly frostbitten, and though he struggled on heroically, on 16th March his comrades knew his end was approaching. He jjad borne suffering for weeks without complaint, and he did not give up hope to the very end. “THE ACT OF AN ENGLISH GENTLEMAN.” Of the death of Oates Captain Scott writes: “He was a bravo soul. Ho slept through the night, hoping not to wake, but awoke in the ‘morning. It was blowing a blizzard. Oates said : ‘I am just going outside and may be some time.’ He'went out into the blizzard, and we have not seen him since. We knew that ho was going to his death, but though we tried to dissuade him we knew it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman. On March 16th Oates was really unable to travel, but the others could not leave him.” PERISHED WITHIN SIGHT OF SAFETY. After tho gallant death of their comrade, Scott, Wilson and Bowers pushed northward when the abnormally bad weather would lot them, but they wore forced to camp on 21st March iu latitude 79 degrees 40 minutes south, longitude 169 degrees 23 minutes oast, which was only eleven miles south of the big depot at One Ton camp. This they never reached, owing to a blizzard which is., known from the records to have lasted nine days, overtaking them, and their food and fuel giving out. A DIARY OF DISASTER. CAPTAIN SCOTT’S MESSAGE TO.THE WORLD. Surgeon Atkinson found the following story of the journey, which is quoted verbatim. SCOTT’S MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC, “Tho causes of this disaster are not due to faulty organisation, but to misfortune iu all the risks which had to be undertaken :

1. The loss of the pony transport in March, 1911, compelled me to start later than I had intended, and obliged the limits of stuff transported to be narrowed. 2. The weather throughout the outward journey, and especially the long gale in 83 degrees south, stopped us.

3. The soft snow in the lower reaches of the glacier again reduced pace. We fought those untoward events with a will and conquered, but it ate into our provision reserve. Every detail of our food supplies, clothing and depots made on the interior ice sheet, and on that long stretch of 700 miles to tho Pole and back, worked out to perfection. The advance parly- would have returned to tho glacier in fine form and with a surplus of food but for the astounding failure of tho man whom wc least expected would fail. Seaman Edgar Evans "was thought the strongest man of tho party. The Bcardmorc glacier is not difficult in fine weather, but on our return we did not get a single completely fine day. This, with a sick companion, enormously increased our anxieties. I have said elsewhere wc got into frightfully rough ice, and Edgar Evans received concussion of the brain. He died a natural death, but left us a shaken party with the season unduly advanced. But all the facts above enumerated were as nothing to the surprise which awaited us on the Barrier. INTENSE COLD AND BAD SURFACES. I maintain that our arrangements for returning were quite adequate, and that no one hi th© world would have expected the temperatures and surfaces which we encountered at this time of the year on the summit in latitude 85 degrees to 86 degrees. We had a temperature of minus 21 to minus 50 on the Barrier in latitude 82 degrees. Ten thousand feet lower we had minus 30 in the day to minus 47 at night pretty regularly, with a continuous head wind during our day marches. TIJE LIMIT OF MISFORTUNE.

It'is clear that tjiese circumstances came on -very suddenly, and. our wreck is certainly duo to this sadden advent of severe weather, which does not seem to have any satisfactory cause. I do not think human beings ever pame through such a month as we have come through, and we should have got through in spite of the weather but for the sickening of a second companion, Captain Oates, and a shortage of fuel in our depots, for which I capnot _ account, and finally but for the stornl which has fallen pif us within 11 miles of this depot, at Which we hoped to secure the final supplies. Surely misfortune could scarcely have exceeded this last blow. We arrived within 11 miles of our old One Ton camp with fuel for one hot meal and food for two days. For four days we have been unable to leave the tent, ‘the gale blowing about us, .Wo are weak. Writing is difiroulj;. ” Np REGRETS. For my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown that. Englishmen ran endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude «« ever in the past. We took risks. VS c know I Sm x '*•

DEATH SWALLOWS VICTORY. CAPT. SCOTT Tito PARTY PERISH. Alter Reaching The Pete. And WithinTT Miles of Depot. World Wide Sympathy.

depend on us are properly cared for. Had wc lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the breast of every Englishman. THE LAST APPEAL. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided tor. R 251 h March, 1912. THE LAST SAD RITES. BURIED WHERE THEY FELL. SEARCH PARTY’S EFFORTS, Dr Atkinson and his party gutlioicd the records and effects of the dead men, road the burial service over their bodies, ami erected a cairn and cross to their memory over the inner tent in which they buried them. A record of the finding of their bodies was left attached to tho cross. The part;,’ then searched for 20 miles io the south endeavouring to discover the body of Captain Outs. It was never found, but another cairn and record were left, in the vicinity io 1 1 is moiuovy. TRUE TO THEIR COMRADES. It, should here most certainly bo nm ,! that tho southern party nobly stood by tro r sick companions to tho end, and in sjaHc their distressing* condition tltoy d.-hI cot allied every record and 35lbs v\ specimens which prove to ho of iho groaieM scientific value. This emphasises the nature of their journey. ANOTHER DRAMATIC STORY. ADVENTURES OF THE NORTHERN PARTY. LIEUT. CAMPBELL’S NARROW ESCAPE. After Dr. Atkinson’s search party had completed their arrangements for Mf. be-ial of the Polo finders they turned noitiiwnru. having decided next to direct their efforts to the relief of Lieut. Campbell and the northern party. On November 25th Dr. Atkinson brought his party to Hut Point, and there received the welcome news that the entire northern party, consisting of Lieut. Campbell, Surgeon Lcvick Mr Priestlev (geologist), and Seamen Abbott, Browning and Dickason. had returned in safety to tho expedition’s base at Capo Evans. On the 7th November, Campbell’s party, which had been picked up at Capo Adnro and landed for a short sledge journey in January. 1912, returned to Terra Nova Jlay, on 17th February, expecting to be picked up by the Terra Nova. Tho ship, as detailed in last year’s despatch, met with ice conditions approaching the coast that were insuperable, and was forced to leave Lieutenant Campbell to make his own way back to Cape Evans, some 200 miles away. The journey could not be attempted until the sea was properly frozen over.

MAKING THE BEST OF A BAD JOB.

Disappointed at the non-appearance of the ship. Lieutenant Campbell set to work, on the Ist March, to prepare to winter. Duly considering the resources at his disposal. ho selected for tho homo of Ids party a snowdrift, and into this they cut and burrowed. eventually completing an igloo, the dimensions of which were 13ft by 9ft. This they insulated with seaweed. SIX MONTHS ON SEAL MEAT.

Whilst the igloo whs in course of construction every seal that appeared was killed, for the shortage of food and fuel was the great problem that had to be faced. Campbell and his companions led a primitive existence here for six and a-half months. Their diet was principally seal meat and blubber, eked out with a few biscuits and a very small quantity of cocoa and sugar. They only had their summer sledging clothes to wear, and these were soon saturated with blubber, which penetrated to the skin. Their meteorological record shows that, the winds were almost constantly of gale force. The temperatures were not recorded, the thermometer being broken. SICKNESS ATTACKS THE PARTY. Sickness, in the shape of acide enteritis, attacked the party and so wrecked them that a start for Cape Evans was not made until September 30th. Even then the condition of Petty OHicer Browning gave cause for great anxiety, but on arrival at Cape Roberts they fortunately hut unexpectedly found a food depot left by Griffith Taylor. The change to biscuits restored Browning to health in a remarkably short time. The northern party’s troubles ended now, and they made good progress to Cape Evans. This party was fortunate in picking up Professor Javid’s specimens on Depot Island. A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. The most remarkable feature of this journey is that the entire party lived through an Antarctic winter and actually sledged 230 miles on stores and equipment left for one month's sledging, the appearance of seal after winter had once set in being after all u fortunate chance. SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. EQUAL TO PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS. At, Cape Evans the scientific work was continued throughout the winter. In this report it, woidd be out of place to expand into a detailed description of the special work carried out, but in fairness to those concerned it can be said that the results are at least equal to those of last year While awaiting the arrival of the Terra Nora the ascent of Mt. Erebus was made by Priestly, Dcbcnhani. Gran. Abbott. Oickasou, and Hooper for geological and surveying purposes, the party being away a fortnight. When the ship' arrived the records, collections and specimens were packed, and with the beet part: of the expeditionary equipment placed op board. A FAMOUS LETTER. The records include a letter from Captain Amundsen to the King of Norway brought back from the Pole by the soumthorn party. HOMEWARDS. The shore party embarked with the dogs. A sufficiency of foodstuffs and clothing was left at Cape Evans, and 48 hours later the Terra Nova left her winter quarters. The vessel first proceeded towards Hut Point and landed eight men. who erected a large cross on Observation Hill overlooking the Great Ice Barrier, where our gallant leader and brave comrades sacrificed their lives to the honour of their country after the achievement of the great object of this expedition. Before leaving the Antarctic the ship called at Cape Royds, Granite Harbour, and Terra Nova Bay to pick up depots of geological specimen!*. Wo have established provision depots at Cape Evans, Hut Point, and Terra Nova Bay. TERRA NOVA’S DIFFICULT HOME TRIP. It is interesting to note that on the return voyage to New Zealand in latitude 64 degrees 15 minutes south, longitude _ 159 degrees 15 minutes east, the Terra Nova passed close to an iceberg twenty-one geographical miles in length on February 2nd. In latitude 62 degrees 10 minutes south, longitude 158 degrees east, during thick weather 1 the ’ship w as besot with icebergs, and at slow speed steadied for six miles along the face' of one iiuge berg. She w as in a narrow channel, out of which she could not work owing to the close grouping of detached icebergs, which lay on either hand. We have passed hundreds of icebergs, some of which from their exceptional size may drift to lower latitudes before disintegration and become a danger to navigation. Undoubtedly this is 1 a bad year for ice. The Terra. Nova : has usually been clear except for isolated berg's' ‘it: imich higher latitudes. THE §UPV|V@RS. All the surviving members ai'c in excellent health. After a month’s refit in New Zealand the Terra Nova will proceed to Cardiff. Lieutenants Pennell (commanding) ami Renwick. Surgeon Levick, and Biologists Nelson and Lillie will return in the ship, while Commander Evans, Lieutenants Campbell and Bruce, Surgeon Atkinson, f>cpretitiy Drake, and Messrs Wright, Priestley, Debonham, Cherry-Garrard, and Gran go by the mail

steamer. Tho report is signed “E. R. G. R.F.vans. Commander. Royal Navy, commanding the expedition. 1 ’ FELLOW EXPLORERS PAY THEIR RECPECTS. AMUNDSEN NANSEN. CHARCOT, AND DAVID. NEW YORK, Fob. .11. Captain Roald Amendseii, in an interview, said he would gladly forego the distinction of reaching the Pole if thereby lie could have saved a brave man such as Scott from his terrible fate. PARIS, Feb. 11. Dr. Charcot (the French explorer) says Scott realised his dream. Amundsen would be the first to admit that. Scott opened the way to the South Pole. “Scott and his comrades have as a magnificent mausoleum the whole fantastic architecture of the Antarctic continent.” CHRISTIANA, Feb. 11. Dr. Nansen, the noted Arctic explorer, in an interview, said Scott’s death was a terrible eternity, a loss (o England and to the world. “Our only consolation is that the shields of the men who so gloriously fought for honour a... 1 ihr benefit of the world are as bright and shining as the snow that covers their graves.” Dr. Nansen, interviewed regarding Bernacchi’s suggestion that Scott and his comrades were starved to death through inadequate precautions owing to anxiety io reach the Pole before Amundsen, says it is needless to consider such a meaningless conjecture, Scott was too prudent to make inadequate preparations owing to fear of Amundsen. SYDNEY, Feb. 11. Professor David, who went south with Shaekleton, in an interview, says it must be n n«'i»d>"i-ed that, compared w ith A mum). sen’- .ni !'■' . imini l as tte-\ -n!b ivo mid "i----jurel,. S: .el’s party iiad noinr, J iai - mo re intensely. They had to darn.’ -i.'dge.s over hundreds id miles, i 1 ■■■•;i.■ 1; m :r n inner wi> dswept plateau ten thousand i high. This fearfully henry and p-.-ui m■■!• ,vork must have ie.jd on their . un-iiiuPoi.-. ihongb I be, ..ere'Mm hanllen. In o( (be jour'nei --.ni eeioi.; nm help dunking :C----whom }*.•>>•••, mod •)..! Inn.- been in thebe-; health. MRS. SCOTT'S LAST WORDS. EXPECTKI> TO MEET HER HUSBAND. NEW V<* 1; K, Feb. 12. Bobov ien'. ioa s.iti Fn-ilK.ieeo Mrs Scott said she expected her husband would succeed in his quest. Slie hoped to meet him at - one of the New Zealand southerly ports. She said Captain Scott was sure to suffer bitter disappointment when ho found Amundsen had reached the Pole first, but her husband was a good sailor and would not begrudge for a moment another’s victory. PRESS PANEGYRICS. “VICTORY SWALLOWED UP IN DEATH.” LONDON, Fob. 11. The Times says the country will ever honour Cajitain Scott and his comrades, who devoted themselves with single-minded heroism to the realisation of a great idea. The Telegraph says that almost within roach of the last sheltering depot death claimed them and quenched the splendid courage which led the little party day by day. The name of Scott will be added to the country’s imperishable roll of heroes. The Daily Mail says the tragedy is as overpowering and as moving in its dignity and heroism as Franklin’s, and victory was swallowed up in death. The Chronicle declares the results will be such that science will be able to say Scott did not struggle and die in vain. AUSTRALIAN TRIBUTES. SYDNEY, Feb. 12.

Tho Telegraph says tho tragedy represents another of those terrible tributes occasionally exacted from pioneers who go ahead, carrying tho lamp of science into tho boundless region of the unknown. Tho debt mankind owes to this type is seldom realised and still more seldom discharged. Tho regret excited is sharpened through the. manner in which tho public were deceived regarding the true state of affairs, and foolishly allowed to believe that the expedition was alive and well some time after tho return of the ship. Surely such an item ns the destruction of an exploring party should not have been commercialised. Presumably the defence of this ghastly silence is that tho survivors conceived it to be their duty to carry out to the letter the contract entered into by Captain Scott himself. The motive cun be respected none the less because the silence was an amazing error of judgment. Tho Herald says there is something which moves human emotions more strongly than can readily be described in this story of a courageous journey. “Amidst the most terrible privations the goal was reached, priceless scientific data gathered, and then—oblivion,” The knowledge that the end came almost within reach of succour must flood the brimming sympathy.

“APPEAL WILL NOT FALL ON DEAF EARS.’’

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER’S PROMISE. LONDON, Fob. 11. Replying to a question by Mr Austen Chamberlain, the Premier said they wore all deeply impressed by tho Antarctic disaster. The last message w-as one of the most moving and pathetic utterances in the annals of discovery. The message was from a brave and enduring man face to face with tho tragic cud of a career of selfsacrifice and devotion to his country’s service. His appeal would not fall on deaf

cars. . . , The Premier spoke with emotion, and was almost inaudible. The House was much moved. . Lord Ennnott, replying to Lord Lamington, in the House of Lords, said the i isaster was almost unparalleled in Poliir exploration. They could ill afford to lose men so faithful in the discharge of thou duties. It would be a splendid example and inspiration to Englishmen for all tune. Lord Cur/ou will preside at the geographical Society’s meeting to-morrow to consider Captain Scott’s appeal. Many prominent personages pay tributes to and express admiration of the heroes. The Lord Mayor declared it is absolutely certain provision will be Uiaqe for tno dependents. He was considering tne opening of a Mansion House fund. The Duke of Argyll, Lord Roberts, many Admirals, Dominion representatives, and scientists announced that they will stippoit the carrying out of Ca.pt. Scott s w (suit is updei stood f.h© Government propose a comprehensive grant to the dependents apart from any natiopal movement. THE KING’S SYMPATHY. BREAKING THE NEWS TO THE MOTHER. TRIBUTE TO DR. WILSON. LONDON, l'V|). HThe King telegraphed to Lord Cnr/.on (president of the Royal Geographical Society) his grief at the disaster, and sympathised with the loss to science. Tho news caused a sensation in the Common*.

Lady Ellison Macartney, Captain Scott's sister, broke the nows to Ids mother. Mr Reginald Smith, of Smith, Elder and Co., slates that Dr. Wilson way a remarkable personality, modest und retiring. He was adviser to the expedition. Mr Smith adds that Scott had eight thousand volunteers when ids expedition was announced.

THE DEAD HERO’S SON

WORLD-WIDE SYMPATHY.

LONDON, Fob. 11. The news has not yet been told to Captain Scott’s three und a-half year old son Peter, who is living with his grandmother at Henley, where the flags are half-mast. Shipowners and merchants at Cardiff intend to erect a statue to Captain Scott. Topical interest is being attached to Ponting’s films of Scott's expedition, which arc being shown throughout the country. A memorial service at St, Paul’s on Friday' is being arranged'. • Sir George lleid remarked tfiaf all know when farewelling Captain Scott that the latter \yas st-dfing h'» l»f«, but concerning this story of an hourly terrific struggle with death, this victory, this sad though glorious martyrdom, that lonely widow speeding onward to meet a gallant husband, the readiest tongue was silent. World-wide sympathy regarding the Scott disaster is expressed by foreign and colonial legislatures, HOME, Peb. 11.

The Chamber of Deputies sent a message to the Commons expressing sympathy with Britain regarding the Antarctic tragedy.

SYDNEY’S SYMPATHY. SYDNEY, Feb. 11. There is intense interest ami universal sorrow in the news regarding Captain Scott. The State Government cabled to the British authorities, expressing grief in tho disaster that had overtaken the brave men. As a special mark of sympathy it was ordered that the flags on the public buildings lie half-masted. AUSTRALIAN MESSAGES. SYDNEY, Feb. 12. The City Council forwards an official letter to Mrs Scott. Tho Royal Society ot New South >\ ales cabled to the Geographical Society in London, expressing its sorrow. MELBOURNE, Feb. 12. Hon. W. M. Hughes, on behalf of tho Commonwealth, expressed regret, and a cable is to be sent to Mrs Scott. APPEAL FROM LONDON. MR. MASSEY’S SYMPATHETIC REPLY. Marion, Feb. 12. The Premier (Mr Massey) has received the following from the Editor of the Daily Telegraph (the Hon. H. Lawson), London: — ‘ Responding to Captain Scott s last appeal, the Telegraph opens to-day a national Scott Memorial Fund, and the editor would welcome a message commending the fund to the public support,” The Premier replied ; “I feel confident that Captain Scott’s dying appeal will meet with a generous response from the citizens of the Empire, and that adequate provision will be forthcoming for the wives and families of the brave men who have lost, their liven for ihc glory of the British flag, and wh'i have gone to their deaths in a manner worthy of the best traditions of our race. New Zealand shares iu the universal regret.” AN OFFICIAL MESSAGE.

Mr Massey also has requested the Governor to send a cable to the Secretary of State for the Colonies expressing the sympathy of the Government and the people.