BACK FROM THE SOUTH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8351, 11 February 1913, Page 8

BACK FROM THE SOUTH

THE SCOTT EXPEDITION SPHINX-LIKE SILENCE AS TO RESULT. A Press Association telegram from Oamaru yesterday announced tho return of the Antarctic exploring ship Terra Nova, which left Lyttelton in December to pick up Captain R. J?. Scott and his party who had been in tho polar regions for the past two years engaged in scientific research and exploration work. Two men landed at Oamaru and book train for Christchurch. Waylaid at Timaru .by a pressman, the strangers were questioned about the expedition, but one replied: “Our orders are to say nothing. We don t mind you asking,” he said. “Those are your orders. Ours aro to say nothing. He would answer only one- question. Asked when New Zealand would get news of Captain Scott’s expedition he replied: “Twenty-four hours after it is sent to London, as has been the practice in the past.” He refused definitely to answer questions as to the health of the expedition. ARRIVAL IN CHRISTCHURCH. OFFICERS BOUND TO OBSERVE SECRECY. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, February 10. The two members of the party who landed at Oamaru early this morning wee Lieutenant H. L. L. Pennell, R.N. (who was on board the Terra Nova when she left Lyttelton for the Antarctic in December) and Dr E. L. Atkinson (one of tho surgeons who remained with Captain Scott’s party in tile south). At Oamaru they joined the first north-bound express and arrived here this evening. At Ashburton they were met by Mr Hugo Friedlander (chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board), who had a chat with on© of them. Tho express was slowing up at the platform of the Christchurch station when a pressman saw two young men alight and hurry up the platform. One of them turned slifriitly round and the pressman recognised Lieutenant Pennell. They were dresse din ordinary clothes, and all they carried was a small bag each. They were evidently determined not to attract attention, and by the_ time the other passengers were stepping off the train the reporter was chatting to Lieutenant Pennell, who_ was hurrying through one of tho exits into tho street. “Sorry, but I can’t give you, a word,’ said the lieutenant. “You know we are hound to secrecy, and wo cannot tell you anything. The only man who can give you any information is Captain Scott.” The reporter asked if it_was Captain Scott who was now walking ahead of Lieutenant Pennell, .but {he lieutenant explained that ho was so bound down to say nothing that ho could not even answer that question. It transpired, however, that Lieutenant Pennell was accompanied by Dr Atkinson, and that Captain Scott was on board the Terra Nova. By this time Dr Atkinson had entered a taxicab, hut while Lieutenant Pennell was not disposed to impart the news he held he patiently stood at the door of the taxi in conversation, only to shake his head in reply to each query put by the pressman. Both men looked in excellent health, but when asked as to tho health of tho other members of the party Lieutenant Pennell said; “I can’t even tell you that. As 1 said before, Captain Scott is tho only one who can tell you the story, and I can only tell you this: That Captain Scott has arranged to supply an account of tho expedition to New Zealand papers.” “When?” ■“Twenty-four hours after it has reached London.” Questioned as to the movements of tho Terra Nova and when and where Captain Scott would land in New Zealand, Lieutenant Pennell shook his head in a manner wuich signified there was no reply. Then he smiled, said “goodbye,” again expressed hia regret at not being able to give any information, jumped into the taxi, and drove away. It is understood, however, that the Terra Nova with Captain Scott on board sailed from Oamaru to-day for Lyttelton, and the vessel should reach there late to-morrow night or early next morning. From the railway station Lieutenant Pennell and Dr Atkinson drove to a cafe and afterwards they proceeded to the office of Mr J. J. Kinsey, who is agent for the expedition in New Zealand. When the news of the arrival of the Terra Nova at Oamaru was first received a “press” reporter interviewed Mr Kinsey. He stated that he had heard nothing concerning tho vessel's arrival beyond news that the papers had received. “You know as much as I do,” added Mr Kinsey. Seen after the arrival in Christchurch of Lieutenant Pennell and Dr Atkinson Mr Kinsey again said that there was no information available. The Terra Nova is returning much earlier than was expected. It was given out that the ship would return to New Zealand some time in March, and, inded, Mrs Scott, wife of the leader of the expedition, who left San Francisco a few days ago on her way out to meet her husband, confirmed this statement. It may be, of course, that the Terra Nova, on arriving at the base, found the whole party waiting and everything in readiness for an immediate return.