THE CONQUEST AND AFTER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8352, 12 February 1913, Page 7

THE CONQUEST AND AFTER

RELIEF. PARTIES’ SEARCH HAMPERED BY BLIZZARDS. The following account, which is copyrighted, is supplied by the Press Association: _ , , , . The Terra Nova arrived at Cape Evans on January loth of this year, and obtained the following information from the shore party ther0 Captain Scott reached the South Pole on January 18th, 1912, and found Captain Amundsen’s tent and records. On the return journey the whole southern party perished. Captain Scott, Dr. Wilson, aifd Lieutenant Bowers died from exposure during a blizzard about March 29th, 1912, at the last camp, eleven miles south of One Ton depot, or 155 miles from the hut at Capo Evans. Captain Oates died from exposure on March 17th, and Seaman Edgar Evans died from concussion of the brain on February 17th. The health Of the remainder of the expedition is excellent, including Lieutenant Campbell’s party, who wintered in Terra Nova Bay. , The history of the expedition is as follows: Before the Terra Nova left for New Zealand last March Surgeon E- L. Atkinson, who had been left in charge of the western party until Captain Scott's return, dispatched Mr A. C. Garrard, assistant zoologist, and Demetri, a dog driver, With two dog teams to assist the southern party, whose return to Hut Point was expected about March 10th, 1912. Dr. Atkinson would have accompanied this party, but was kept back in medical charge of Lieutenant Evans, second in command, who, it will be remembered, nearly died of scurvy. RESCUERS FORCED BACK. This relief party reached One Ton depot on March 3rd, hut was compelled to return on March 10th owing primarily to dog food running short; also to persistent bad weather and the poor condition of the dogs after the strain of a hard season’s work. The dog teams returned to Hut Poidt on March 16th. The poor animals were mostly frostbitten, and incapable of further work. Mr Garrard collapsed through ah over-strained heart, i His companion was also sick. As it was impossible to communicate with Cape Evans, the ship having left on. March 4th, and open sea lying between them, Dr. Atkinson and Petty Officer Keohane, 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 Camp against the unusually severe weather, and realising that they could be of 1 no assistance, were forced to return to Hut Point, after putting one week’s provisions in a depot. In April, when communication with Cape Evans was established, a gallant attempt to relieve Lieutenant Campbell was made by Dr. Atr kinson, Mr Wright, and Petty Officers Williamson and Keohane. This , party reached Butter Point, when they were stopped by open water. Their return was exciting, and nearly ended in disaster owing to the sea ice breaking up. A GRIM DISCOVERY. A search party left Cape Evans after the winter, on October 30th last. It was organised by Surgeon Atkinson, and consisted of two divisions, Dr. Atkinson taking the dog teams with Mr Garrard and Demetri, and Mr Wright in charge of a party including Messrs Nelson, Gran, Lashley, Crean, Williamson, Keohane, and Hooper, with seven Indian mules. They were provisioned for three months, in expectation of an extended search. One Ton camp was found in order, and all provisioned. Proceeding along the old southern route, on November 12th, Wright’s party sighted Scott’s tent, and within it were found the bodies of Captain R. F. Scott, Royal Navy, Doctor B. A. Wilson, chief of the scientific staff, and Lieutenant H. R. Bowers, Royal Indian Marines. From their records the following information was gleaned: The first death was that of Seaman Edgar Evans, a petty officer in the Royal Navy, Official Number 160225, who died on February 17th at the foot of the Beardmore Glacier. His death was accelerated by concussion of the brain, sustained while travelling over the rough ice some time before. Captain L. E. G. Oates, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, was the next man lost. His feet and hands were badly frostbitten,- and although he struggled on heroically, on March 16th his comrades knew his end was approaching. He had borne intense suffering for weeks without complaint, and ho did nob give up hope to the very end. Captain Scott writes: "He was a brave soul. He 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 soma time.’- He went pub

into the blizzard, and ivo have not soon him since.'’ Captain Scott adds ; “We knew that Oates was walking to his death, hut though wo tried to dissuade him wo knew it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman.” On March IGlh Oates was ready unable to travel, bur the others could not leave him. THE LAST CAMP. After his gallant death Scott, Wilson and Bowers pushed northward when the abnormally bad weather would let them, hut were forced to camp on March 31st in latitude 79deg 40min south, longtitude 169dcg 23min east, 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 food and fuel giving out. SCOH’S LAST MESSAGE HOW THEY FOUGHT AGAINST GREAT ODDS. AN APPEAL TO HUMAN HEARTS. In Captain Scott’s diary Dr. Atkinson found the following, which is quoted verbatim. It begins:. “Message to the Public, — “The causes of this disaster are nob due to faulty organisation, but to misfortune in all risks which had to ho undertaken. “1. The loss of pony transport in March, 1911, obliged 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 deg south, stopped us. “3. The soft snow in the lower reaches of the glacier again reduced pace. . “Wo fought these 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. “Tho advance party would have returned to tho glaciet in fine form and with surplus of food but for tho astonishing failure of tho man whom we had least expected to fail. . Seaman Edgar Evans was thought the strongest man of the party. Tho Beardmoro Glacier is not/difficult in fine weather, but on our return we did not got a single completely fine day. This, with a sick companion, enormously increased our anxieties.” ... “I have said elsewhere wo got into frightfully rough ice, and Edgar Evans received a concussion of the brain. Ho died a natural death, hut left us a shaken party, with the season unduly advanced. EXTREME ‘COLD. “ But all the facts above enumerated were as nothing to the surprise which, awaited us on tho Barrier. I maintain that our arrangements for returning wero quite adequate, and that no one in tho world would have expected tho temperatures and . surfaces which wo encountered at this _ time of the year. On the sumtpit, in latitude 8o deg. to 86deg., we had minus 20 to minus 30. On the Barrier, in latitude 82deg., 10,000 feet lower, wo .had minus 30 in the day, minus 47 at night, pretty regularly with continuous head wind during our day marches. “It is clear that these circumstances come on very suddenly, and our wreck is certainly due to this sudden advent of severe weather, which does not seem xq have any satisfactory cause. I do not think human beings ever cam© through such a. mouth as we have come through; and we should have got through in spite of the weather, but for tho sickening of a second companion, Captain Oates, and a shortage of fuel in our depots for which I cannot account, and, finally, but for the storm which has fallen on us within eleven miles of this depot at which we hoped to secure the final supplies. FORTUNE’S FIN AD BLOW. “ Surely misfortune could scarcely nave exceeded this last blow. Wo arrived within eleven miles of our old Ono Ton Camp, with fuel for one hob meal and food for two days. For FOUR days wo have been unable to leave the tent, the gale blowing about us. We are weak. Writing is difficult. “ But for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown that Englishmen can endure hardships, help ■ one, another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past. “ We took risks. We knew wo took them. Things have come out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, hist how to tho will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last. “ But if we have been willing to give our lives to this enterprise, which is for the honour of our country, I appeal to our countrymen to see that those who depend on us are properly cared for. “Had wo lived I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes, and opr 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 for, “ R. SCOTT. “ March 25th, 1912.” RECORDS COLLECTED SUFFERINGS OF CAMPBELL’S PARTY. LIVED SIX MONTHS ON FOUR WEEKS’ SUPPLIES. A LETTER FROM AMUNDSEN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Oopyrtshl (Received February 11, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 11. Surgeon Atkinson reports that he collected tho records and effects of tho party, including thirty-five pounds of valuable geological specimens. He read the burial service over the bodies, and erected a cairn and cross over the inner tent, in which the three men—Scott, Wilson, and Bowers —wero buried. The relief party searched twenty miles southward, but did not find Captain Oates’s body. They erected a cairn in tho vicinity, and the search party then turned northward to the. relief of Lieutenant Campbell’s northern party. They found the latter safe. When be reached Hut Point Lieutenant Campbell was forced to make back for Cape Evans. His party burrowed in a snowdrift and constructed an igloo (hut) where they wintered. They killed and stored seals, and lived for six months on seal meat, blubber, a few biscuits, and a small quantity of cocoa. Constant gales prevailed, and the par-

ty were weakened by an attack of enteritis, so that they wero unable to start for Capo Evans until September 30th. They picked up Professor David’s specimens at Go On Depot Island. The party actually wintered and sledged 230 miles on one month’s stores. They obtained excellent scientific results. The records found with Captain Scott included Captain Amundsen’s letter to the King of Norway, which he had left at the Pole. The Terra Nova landed a party and erected a large cross on Observation Hill, overlooking the great ice barrier. HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED IN CHRISTCHURCH. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH. February 11. The nows of Captain Scott’s fate quickly spread throughout the city tiua morning, and there was a continuous stream of inquirers seeking confirmation of the The news caused- a profound sensation in the city and groups in conversation in the street •poke of tho matter as they would in referring to some sad and unexpected event which told of tho passing of a hero who it was thought had returned from the Antarctic crowned with success. Flags flew at half-mast from numerous buildings in the city to-day, and at midday the bell at tho Cathedral was tolled. This afternoon a slight alteration was made in the evensong at tho Cathedral as a memorial to those lost. On Thursday afternoon a memorial service will bo held in the Cathedral. Thursday has been fixed in order to allow the members of the expedition and the officers of the Terra Nova to .be present. ' "While the news of the very early return of the Terra Nova from it© Antarctic, over a month before her due date, caused great astonishment in Lyttelton and appeared to indicate that something untoward had occurred to cause a change in the plans, no one was prepared for the dreadful news which filtered through to tho port this morning, that Captain Boott, the gallant leader of the expedition and his little band of bravo supporters, had perished in a terrible blizzard on the lonely stretches of ice and snow far from their base oi> their return from the South Pole. Personal effects and other baggage and paraphernalia of some of those who died in the south still lie at the Tourist Office, Christchurch, where they were left when the adventurers went south. A rumour was current in town this morning that the body of Captain Scott had been brought back by the Terra Nova. Mr Kinsey, when asked -jvnat facts lay behind the tale, gave it a most complete and" emphatic denial. ... Information has been received in Lyttelton that the Terra Nova will arrive off Lyttelton Heads . between 9 and 10 o’clock to-morrow morning. Tho Lyttelton Harbour Board’s tug with Captain Thorpe, the harbourmaster, will go out to meet the ship. Lieutenant Pennell and Dr Atkinson- will also go out in the tug. The Terra Nova will probably roach Lyttelton about 11 o’clock. n * v Flags were half-mast high on all public and private buildings in Lyttelton today. The Merchant Service also paid Its tribute to the memory of Captain Scott and his party, every ship in port lowering her nags to half-mast. It is stated that Dr Atkinson, who arrived with Lieutenant Pennell last night, has felt the loss of his chief and his companions so deeply that he has been sent to Mr J. J. Kinsey’s house m Sunmer to bo quiet and free from any annoyance .by inquiries. It is understood that a wireless message will be sent to Mrs B. F. Scott, who -is oh her way from San Francisco, apprising her of tho fate of the southern party and instructing her not to land in the Dominion. Mrs Wilson, who has been staying in the south, reached Christchurch to-day by the first express. _ . Sir Charles Bowen, who is keenly interested In Antarctic exploration, and who had many opportunities of meeting Captain Scott on the different oorasions that he was in. Christchurch, was seen "by a press representative regarding the sad news of-the death of the explorer and his party. Sir Charles said that, beyond the news giving the fact that Captain Scott and his party had perished in a blizzard, he was not in possession of any details. The nows was very terrible, and he felt keen sorrow that so courageous an officer had met with so sad a fate, and he felt tho deepest sympathy for Mrs Boott and the relatives of tho brave man who perished with their leader. “Captain Scott was not only a great explorer,” said Sir Charles, “and not only possessed the courage of a great explorer, 'but he also possessed the necessary skill and knowledge and was also a_ first-class naval man and would have made his mark in whatever circumstances he was placed. The deaths of Captain Boott and his party in such tragic circumstances will create a profound sensation throughout the whole Empire.” , At all theatres to-night. funeral marches were played os a tribute to tho memory of tho dead explorers. IN AUCKLAND. Press Association. AUCKLAND. February 11. News of a national disaster could hardly have caused more profound senlation in tho city than did the grim brief message. Tho scanty cablegram from London was made the basis of news, extras, which were quickly distributed, and the news spread throughout Auckland with remarkable speed, hut tho general attitude towards the announcement was that of disbelief. People have become used latterly to successes in the Antarctic. Moreover, the secrecy observed by messengers who had landed from the Terra Nova had appeared to bo far more compatible with good news held in reserve. But the first brief message remained uncoutradioted, and in the afternoon it was confirmed. Public comment on the event was slight. Tho fact that Captain Scott had reached the polo was accepted as small recompense for the loss of life, and hundreds of people wondered whether after all investigation of the frozen south is worth the sacrifice that has been made. 1 TIMARU, February 11. The news of the Scott catastrophe was received in Timiaru with incredulity at first, and later with profound sorrow. At the Municipal Bauyl concert tonight the Mayor made feeling reference to the calamity in tho presence of a large gathering of people, who stood bareheaded while the band played the •‘Dead March” in “Saul.” “UNDAUNTED COURAGE.” REFERENCE BY THE GOVERNOR. Speaking at tho nnveililig of the Cook memorial at Ship Cove yesterday. Lord Liverpool said he deeply regretted having to sound a note of sadness in

the gathering. Just before ho left the Tutanekai to come ashore, a telegram was put into his hands concerning Captain Scott’s expedition. The message read : “ Party reached tho pole on 18th January. Whole party perished in a blizzard.” “I know,” said his Excellency, “ tho deepest sympathy goes out from this gathering to the friends and relatives of these heroic men. They have given their lives, aa many others have done, to the service of their country. Thoir undaunted courage and unswerving zeal will be honoured by their countrymen. They, in their turn, have not forgotten the great heritage handed down to us from our forefathers.” Sympathetic reference to tho fate of Captain Scott was also made by the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, who said that the message his Excellency had read brought homo to them some idea of what pioneers of our Empire had to face, while expectant hearts were waiting all over the world for tidings of the expedition, they could scarcely realise tn© terrible fate that had overcome Captain Scott and his party in their attempt to widen the scientific knowledge of the world. SYMPATHY OF METHODIST CONFERENCE. The Methodist Conference last night placed on record its deep regret at the sad fate of Captain Scott and his comrades in the Antarctic and expressed heart-felt sympathy with Mrs ( Scott and tho relatives of the other members of the expedition who perished. The motion, which was carried on the proposition of the Hon. Q. J. Smith, M.L.G., seconded by the Rev. P. w. Fairclough, was ordered to be sent to Mr Kinsey, the representative of the expedition in Christchurch. SORROW IN SYDNEY PROFESSOR DAVID INTERVIEWED. 8 r Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 11, 8.65 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 11. There is intense interest and universal sorrow at tho story of Scott. The State Government cabled the British authorities an expression of grief .at the disaster that has overtaken brave men, and, as a special mark of sympathy, ordered the flags on public buildings to bo half-masted throughout to-morrow. Professor David, in an interview, said that the news of the death or Boott and his comrades was only too true. Ho had received a cable from Mr Kinsey confirming the reports of the sad occurrence, which was all the more tragic on account of tho proximity of tho brave party to their winter quarters. Professor David surmises that in the thick drifting snow caused by continuous blizzards, the party may •have missed one of the food depots when weak with fatigue, long endurance and excessive cold. It must be remembered, as compared with Amundsen’s parly, that Scott’s party, much os they suffered, ©ndured far more intensely. They had to drag their sledges over hundreds of miles, including a bitter wind-swept plateau ten thousand feet high. This fearfully heavy and protracted work must have todd on their constitutions though they were of tho hardiest. In view of the comparatively slow progress of the return journey, on© could not help thinking that the whole party could not have been in, tho best of health. STAFF AND CREW THE SHIP'S BOLL. Tho following is a complete list of the officers, staff, and men who accompanied the expedition: •Captain R. F, Scotty 0.V.0..R.N., commanding expedition, Western party. , Lieutenant E. R. O. R. Evans, R.N., second in command, Western party. *Dr E. A, Wilson j chief of scientific staff, zoologist and artist. Western party. Lieutenant V. L. A, Campbell, R.N., leader of the Eastern party. Lieutenant H. L. L. Pennell, R.N., magnetic and meteorological work on the Terra Nova. _ Lieutenant H. B. de P. Rennick, 8.N., Western party. •Lieutenant H. B. Bowers (Royal Indian Marine), Terra Nova. Lieutenant W. Bruoe, R.N.8., Terra Nova. ' Surgeon G. M. Lovick, doctor, zoologist, eto., Eastern party! Surgeon B. L. Atkinson, R.N., doctor," bacteriologist and parasitologist. Mr F. R. H. Drake, R.N., secretary, Terra Nova. Mr 0. H. Meares, in charge of ponies and dogs, Western party. •Captain L. B. G. Oates, Inniskilling Dragoons, in pharge of . ponies and dogs, Western party. Dr G. 0. Simpson, physicist, Western party. Mr T. Griffith Taylor, geologist, Western party. Mr Georg© F. Wyatt, general manager. Mr E. W. Nelson, biologist. Western party. Mr D. G. Lillie, biologist, Terra Nova. Mr A. Cherry Garrard, assistant zoologist, Western party. Mr H. G. Pouting, photographer, Western party. Mr B. C. Hay, motor engineer. Western party. Mr J- Allan Thomson, geologist, Western party. Mr C. S. Wright, chemist, Western party. Boatswain, 8.N., Mr T. Feather, charge of sledging outfit. Boatswain, Mr A. Cheetham, Terra Nova. Chief Engine-room Artificer, R.N., Mr W. Williams, second engineer. Terra Nova. Engine-room Artificer, R.N., Mr J. H. Webb, third engineer, Terra Nova. Chief Stoker, R.N., Mr W. Lashley, assistant to motor engineer, Western party. Chief Steward, Mr W. Archer, Terra Nova. Petty Officers, R.N., *E. Evans, R. Forde, T. Crean, T, S. "Williamson, F. Parson, P. Qeohane, Arthur S. Bailey, G. P. Abbott, O. V. Browning, J. H. Mather, all rating as seamen; able seamen, 8.N.. H. Dickason, W. L. Heald, J. Paton, seamen. Salim aker, W. Smytho. Shipwright, R.N., F. E. C. Davis, carpenter. Leading stokers, R.N., N. Bnssenden and E. A. McKensie; Stoker, R.N., W. Burton, rating as firemen. Stewards: T. Clessold, cook, F. Hooper and W. H. Neall. •Died on return from Polo

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES CAPTAIN SCOTT’S CAREER. A FINE RECORD. Captain Scott was in his fortyfifth year. He was born at Outlands, Devonport, and was a son of the late John Scott, of that place. After receiving Ills education at Stubbington House, Fareham, he entered the Navy in 1882. He served in the Rover from 1887-88 as lieutenant, and subsequently in the Amphion and Majestic. He be-

came commander in 1900, and captain four years later. He commanded the National Antarctic Expedition in 19004. Captain Scott was an hon. D.Sc., of Cambridge and Manchester Universities, gold medallist of the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Scottish Geographical Society, and ‘American, Swedish, Danish, Philadelphian, and Antweni Geographical Societies. Ho married Miss Kathleen Bruce, daughter of the late Canon Lloyd Bruce. "A SPLENDID FELLOW.” Press Association. GREYMOUTH, February 11. Captain riender, of the Union Steamship Company's Kowiiai, now in port, met Captain bcott on two occasions, the first time eleven years ago, when (Japcam Render was one of tne ship's company of the relief ship Morning, which took stores and other necessaries to the Discovery. meeting that vessel in latitude 79 south, at the base of Mounts Terror and Erebus. The Morning brought back to New Zealand Lieutenant (now Sir Ernest) Sbaokleton, who was invalided home, and nine others of the Discovery's crew. The next time Captain Render met Captain Scott was in Lyttelton on his return to New Zealand about a year later. "Captain Scott was not a man to talk much to anyone," said Captain Hender to a "Star” representative. "He was, nevertheless, a splendid fellow, extremely popular and greatly liked by everyone on board his ship; just the man for the job he had undertaken.” The second officer of the Kowiiai, Mr Hatfield, one of the Morning's company on the second relief expedition, also had an opportunity of noticing how Captain Scott was esteemed, admired‘and loved by every man connected with the expedition. RECORDS OF THE OTHER DEAD MEN. Special to the “ Times.” ‘ CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. Dr Edward A. Wilson, second in command under Captain Soott, and chief scientist to the expedition, was a native of Cheltenham, and was educated at Cheltenham College and afterwards at Cains College. Cambridge. After taking his degree he qualified in medicine at St. George’s Hospital, London, but on leaving the hospital illhealth compelled him to spend some' 1 years abroad. Hij health was not wholly re-established when ho joined the Discovery. In addition to his medical duties he was appointed vertebrate eoologist and artist of the expedition, and did a great deal of good work amongst the birds and seals of the Antarctic regions. His paintings of the birds and hia pictures and sketches of the wild scenes met with during the expedition earned him high praise. A number'of new species of bird life were found in the course of the expedition, the most important of which was a new petrel, which was afterwards named “ Aestreldata Wilsoni,” after Dr Wilson. Captain Scott, in his “Voyage of the Discovery,” relates a little incident showing the ever-ready resource that Dr Wilson possessed. “On returning to the deck at 7.30,” statel Captain Scott, “ I was told that all work was, completed, but that some five hours before a party consisting of Dr Wilson, Messrs Farrar, Cross, and Weller had got adrift on a floe, and that no one had thought of picking them up. Although the sun had been shining brightly all night, the temperature had been down to 18 degrees, and afar, off I could see four disconsolate figures tramping about to keep themselves warm on a detached floe not more than fifteen yards across. When at last our wanderers scrambled over the side, it was very evident that they had a big grievance, and it was only after some hot cocoa that they could talk of their experiences with ease. They had been obliged to keep constantly on the move, and when they thought of smoking to relieve the monotony of the situation, the smokers found they had pipes and tobacco but no matches. It was Whilst they were dismally discussing this fact that T>r Wilson, a non-smoker, came nobly to the rescue, and succeeded in lighting the pipes by using a small pocket magnifying glass, a fact which shows not only the resource of the officer, but the power of the midnight sun in the latitudes.” Whilst, the Discovery expedition was in its winter quarters, Dr Wilson used to begin his day earlier by aa examination of the breakfast food. His next business was to see to the ventilation of the living spaces, which he did so thoroughly, stated Captain Scott, that when they went to breakfast there was no complaint about the freshness of the air, though., occasionally some of the men appeared in fur mits. As a mute protest against the temperature he next took the eight o’clock meteorological observations, and after the men were told off for the work of the day his business took him to the superintendence of those who were detailed for bird-skinning and who carried on the work in the main hut. Under his direction some of the men became expert taxidermists, and a large collection of prepared skins was obtained. The rest of his day he devoted to working up sketches and zoological notes, making the delightful drawings which were so ■rreat a feature of the “South Polar Times.” and performing a hundred and one kindly offices for all on board. ■ On the return to winter quarters from the first southern journey. Dr Wilson, who at one time had shown slight symptoms of scurvy, became

worse, and the disease increased very rapidly towards the end. He had slightly strained his leg early in the journey, and the symptoms were most evident, causing swelling and discolouration behind the knee. Hi a gums, also, had dropped into a bad state, so he wisely decided to take to his bed, where ho remained perfectly quiet for ten days. This final collapse showed the grim determination which alone must have upheld him during the last marches. LIEUTENANT BOWERS. Lieutenant H. R. Bowers came from the Royal Indian Marine, which is controlled by the Indian Government. Prior to joining the Indian marine, Lieutenant Bowers was an officer in the British mercantile marine. When only twenty-one years of age he was chier officer of the famous clipper fourmasted barque Loch Torridon, owned by the Loch line, of Glasgow, and engaged in the London-Melbourn© trade. Lieutenant Bowers saw about six years service in the Indian marine, and was for some time on board H.M.S. k ox, engaged in service on the Persian Gulf. He was in charge of the sledges and equipment of the Western Antarctic party. CAPTAIN OATES. Captain L. E. G. Oates was the only military man with the expedition, and belonged to the Inniskilling Dragoons. He was to assist Mr C. H. Meares in keeping charge of the ponies and dogs, and was to bo attached to the western party. Ho was a very popular and hardworking member of the expedition. AN APPRECIATION OF DR WILSON. Special to the “Times.” CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. Dr Charles Chilton writes the following appreciation of Dr Wilson: “The good fortune that has previously characterised the history of Antarctic discovery has been broken by an appalling disaster. Hitherto the loss or life in the South polar expeditions has been extremely small: The Southern Cross party lost one (the zoologist Hansen) and Captain Scott’s first expedition left only one lonely grave on the Anaarctic continent The Scottish National Antarctic expedition and the Swedish expedition lost only one, man each, and the German expedition was nearly as fortunate. Now, however, we hear of the death of the leader of the party (Captain R. N. Scott), his chief zoologist (Dr E A. Wilson), and tho three men who accompanied them on their perilous hut apparently successful journey to the South Pole. The loss of the leader not only .brings great grief to his many friends, but removes one who has proved himself to be a great explorer, successfully opeping up an entirely new field and meeting the difficulties that presented themselves with courage, ability and great judgment. His successful management of the expedition in the Discovery, with his great march towaroa_ the polo and ms still greater sledging journey across the western mountains, will be always notable in the history of polar discovery, while his history of the expedition in The Voyage of the Discovery” proved that he possessed a large measure of literary skill, and was able to write an account that will take a permanent place among notable works of discovery. Through it all he exhibited the modesty that characterised a great and powerful man, and that made him so beloved by all his officers and men. . , “In Dr Wilson wo lose a zoologist who had already made a permanent name tor himself as a keen and accurate observer, while his unrivaDsd artistic skill enabled him to add greatly to the value of his publications and to present them, in a form that compelled attention and admiration. His report of the mammals and birds collected during tho voyage of the Discovery is a work ot careful erudition, illustrated with most beautiful plates. 1 “When leaving New Zealand on the present expedition he was eagerly look Ing forward bo a renewed opportunity of solving some of tho problems that had been left unfinished before, and in particular " was hoping to secure material tor the history of the development of the Emperor penguin. Some of this he had already collected when the Terra Nova returned last year, but now it will have to be worked lip by another hand. His kindly and genial disposition made him a great favourite with everyone with whom he came in contact, and everyone on the ship will deeply mourn the loss of him whom they familiarly knew as ‘Uncle Billy. To mo, personally, the disaster comes as a peculiar grief and disappointment. “At Dundee last September I had the good fortune, to listen to Sir Clement Markham’s paper before the British Association, in which he gave so enthusiastic an account of the successful performances of Captain Scott’s expeditions in the past, and so hopeful a forecast of what he had still to do. There, too, 1 met Mrs Scott, eagerly looking forward to her visit to New Zealand to greet, as she hoped, her husband after the successful completion of his work. At Cheltenham, a few weeks latr, I saw Dr Wilson’s aged father and motner, and was entrusted by them with many tender messages for their son, whom, in the natural course of events, I was likely to see before they would. Now these can only .bo laid on his grave.” EULOGY BY CHRISTCHURCH , SCIENTISTS. Special to the “Times.” CHRISTCHURCH, February 11. The late Dr Wilson was well known to local scientists, for both before and atter the first expedition h© did a lot of work at the Christchurch museum, Mr E. R. Waite, speaking to a reporter, eaid that in addition to being a first-class zoologist Dr waa aa artist of more than average ability. The illustrations in the scientific volumes published in connection with that expedition were exceptionally fine. Not only did he illustrate the animals and biras as they generally appear, hut he showed the habits of both birds and animals. Tho photographs. which he took were of great value, as they illustrated the peculiarities of birds. It was clear that the deceased scientist was a keen trained observer. Mr Waite added that the museum staff saw a lot of Dr Wilson during his visits to the city. He worked there preparing his specimens for * export, and it was soon found that he was a very enthusiastic worker. Deceased was a skilled taxidermist, and as some of his methods differed considerably from those adopted at the museum, much friendly controversy resulted. Dr Wilson went south on the last occasion fully convinced of the superiority of certain methods followed by Mr Haynes, the museum taxidermist, and it would probably be found when tho specimens were examined that they were a considerable improvement on those obtained on the first occasion. Dr Wilson used the library at the museum and the other facilities which the place offered, and had undertaken to supply the institution with a collection of birds and animals selected from the duplicates of those to be sent to London*