REMARKABLE DIARIES

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4508, 23 September 1930, Page 4

REMARKABLE DIARIES

ANDREE PARTY’S LAST DAYS

Stockholm, Sept. 19

Experts report that the diaries of the Andrec party were most carefully compiled. They consist of 142 pages, and constitute a very remailkablc human and scientific document.

After examining the diaries left experts have decided that Swedish opyweight law must apply. As more than 30 years have elapsed since the diaries were written, the copy weight has lapsed,, and anyone is at liberty to publish the contents.

The Swedish Government has issued a summary of Andree’s diary, which covers the period from July 11th, 1897, to October 21st, 1897, when the last note appears: “With such comrades one should he able to get through under any circumstances.”

The diary contains observations and reflections of human and scientific importance. It is noteworthy that, although the oldest of the party, Andree constantly cheered his companions. He withstood the hardships better than the vest.

(Nevertheless, the dairy so far has not cleared up many baffling circumstances of the flight. On .July 12th and 13th the gondola of lie balloon was repeatedly forced down until it touched the ice. Eire broke out. in the gondola a! 7 a.m. on July 14th, hut was easily extinguished, and that day llu* flight was abandoned at 83 deg. north latitude and 30 deg. east longitude. No reason is given in •[lie diary.

The diary only slates that “the balloon struggled upward, but Andrec opened both valves to prepare for a safe landing.”

PLANS FOR FOOT TRAVELLING

The days from July 14th to July 26th were devoted to the organisation of sleds and plans for a trip across the ice, which was begun on July 22, when the diary notes “a hit hazy of mu' actual goal in travelling over the ice.” A note on .July 30th explains that the expedition had decided not to 'attempt to reach the depot stations on Sjjlitzbeilge.il, but instead it was proposed to proceed to Franz Josef Land. They made very slow progress, never exceeding a few miles a day, hut all the time taking observations, which they were confident later would prove of great scientific value.

On October 4th the trio were compelled to abandon hope of reaching Franz Josef Land, as food and stores were dwindling, while Franckel and Strindberg were suffering constantly from stomach and teeth troubles. However, all kept recounting humorous anecdotes in a brave effort to keep up, their courage.

Early in August, the shortage of lood became more acute, and they were compelled to shoot polar bears and seals. Meanwhile, they were continually taking samples of soil and Arctic plants. There is a humorous entry to the effect that Franckel is making delicious polar bear pancakes, which were most tasty.

Approaching Spitsbergen the party had the opportunity to use their canvas boat, but found the drifting ice made it impossible to reach the Seven Islands. INCREASING COLD STORMS.

The diary notes increasing cold storms from September 12th to September 17th, forcing the trio to admit they must winter on the ice. On September 17th, they sighted White Island, which Andree named New Iceland. Again supplies were at their lowest ebb, but on October 20th they killed bears and seals to give them provisions until April, ISOB. They then constructed a but which they called “home.” An entry on October 22nd records that a heavy storm swept awuy part of their provisions and equipment, despite the most valliunt efforts to save them.

The diary ends on the same date. Andree was apparently still trying to maintain his comrades’ cheerfulness. He pays a glowing tribute to Franckel and Strindberg.