PAINFUL SENSATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8353, 13 February 1913, Page 8

PAINFUL SENSATION

SCENE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. PRIME MINISTER OVERCOME BY EMOTION. ' , LONDON, February 11. The news oFthe Scott disaster caused a sensation in the House of Commons. Replying to Mr Austen Chamberlain in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister, Mr Asquith, said that all had been deeply impressed by the last message of Captain. Scott. It was one of the most moving pathetic utterances in ; the annals ‘of discovery. The message was that of a brave enduring man face to face with a tragic end to a career of self-sacrifice and devotion to the country’s service. His appeal would not fall on deaf ears. ■ ' The Premier spoke with emotion, his voice .being almost inaudible.. Members were much moved. IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. “INSPIRATION TO ENGLISHMEN FOR ALL TIME.” LONDON, February 11. In the House of Lords, Lord Emmott, replying to Lord Laming’ton, said the' disaster was one almost unparalleled in the history of Antarctic exploration. They could ill afford to lose men so faithful to the discharge of their duties. They had given a spendid example and an inspiration to Englishmen for all time. THE KING’S MESSAGE. LONDON, February 11. The King has telegraphed to- Lord Curzon, President of the Royal Geographical Society, expressing grief at the Scott disaster and his regret at the loss to science and discovery. ■ REALISATION OF GREAT IDEA. IMPERISHABLE ROLL OF HEROES LONDON, February 11. “The Times” says: “The country will ever honour Captain Scott and his comrades, who devoted themselves with single-minded heroism to the realisation of a great idea.” The “Daily Telegraph” remarks: “They were almost within reach of the last sheltering depot when 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 was as overpowering as it was moving in dignity. There was heroism as great as Franklin.’s and victory was swallowed up in death'.”. > The “Daily Chronicle” says: “The results will be such that science will be able to say that Scott did not struggle in vain.” ' “REALISED HIS DREAM.” PARIS, February 11. Dr Charcotj who commanded the French expedition of 1908-10, states: •‘Captain Scott realised his dream. Captain Amundsen will be the first to admit that Scott opened the way to Hie South Pole. Scott and his comrades have as a magnificent mausoleum the whole of the fantastic architecture of the Antarctic.” INTERVIEW WITH DR NANSEN. “A LOSS TO ENGLAND AND THE WORLD.” CHRISTIANA, February 11. Dr Nansen, the Danish explorer, interviewed regarding Mr Bernacchis’a suggestion that Scott and his comrades were starved to deqth through inadequate precautions, owing to their anxiety to reach the pole before Captain Amundsen, says that it is need-

'ess to consider such meaningless conjecture. Captain Scott was too prudent to make inadequate preparations because Amundsen was also trying to reach the pole. Dr Nansen said: “Captain Scott’s death is a terrible calamity—a loss to England and the world. Our only con- , solation is that the shields of the men who so gloriously fought for the honour and benefit of the world are as bright and shining as the snow that has covered their graves.” AMUNDSEN ASTONISHED. NEW, YORK, February 11. Captain Amundsen, who is at Madison, Wisconsin, expressed himself astonished that such a disaster should have overtaken so well organised an expedition as Captain Scott’s, Captain Amundsen said he would gladly forego the distinction of having reached the pole if thereby he oould have saved a brave man such as Scott from a terrible fate. MUST HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED v. .. AND STARVING. (Received February 12, 10.60 p.m.) ‘ NEW YORK, February 12, Captain Amundsen, in an interview, said that Scott and, his companions must have been exhausted and starving. Probably scurvy was rife when the blizzard came. It was a misrtake not to have taken dogs. The men’s weakened condition added to their sufferings during the long sledge journeys over the ice, unprotected from the mercilessly sweeping winds. Captain Amundsen added: “I cannot read Scott’s last message without emotion. I never met him personally, but he was a .brave man. Shackleton turned homeward just in time to save his life.” OBJECT NOT PURELY SCIENTIFIC (Received February 12, 10.60 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 12. Captain Amundsen denied that tho object of his own expedition to the North Polo was purely scientific. He said that if close to the pole he might go there. DOCTOR WILSON. “A REMARKABLE PERSONALITY” LONDON,'February 11. Mr. Reginald Smith, K.C., F.R.G.S., principal of Smith, Elder, and Company, publishers, and editor of the “Cornhill Magazine,” states that Dr Wilson was a man of remarkable personality, yet modest and retiring. He was adviser to the expedition. Mr Smith adds that Captain Scott had eight thousand volunteers for the expedition. CAPTAIN SCOTT’S APPEAL. ACTION BY ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY. LONDON, February 11. Lord Curzou will preside at a meet,ng of the Royal Geographical Society to-morrow to consider Captain Scott’s appeal on behalf of the relatives of ihose who perished. The Lord Mayor declares that he is absolutely certain that provision will bo made for the dependants of those '/ho died. A Mansion House fund will probably be opened. The matter is under consideration. A memorial service, to be held in St. Paul’s Cathedral on Friday next, is being arranged. Many prominent persons have paid tributes of admiration to the heroes ■it no are dead. 1 , PROPOSED GOVERNMENT GRANT. A NATIONAL FUND OPENED. LONDON, February 11. The Duke of Argyll, Lord Roberts, ind many admirals, Dominion representatives, and scientists have announced that they will aid in carrying out Captain Scott’s wish. It is understood that tho Government will propose a comprehensive grant for the dependants of those lost, apart from any national movement. A national fund is being opened for the relief of the dependants of those lost. SUBSCRIPTION LISTS OPENED. (Received February 12, 10.52 p.m.) , „ SYDNEY, February 12. Flags are flown at half mast in the city. • In response to Captain Scott’s appeal the Lord Mayor opens a fund and the newspapers subscription lists. 11 Other cities are doing similarly. (Received February 13, 0.36 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 12. Before any publicity was given- to the movement, the Lord Mayor spontaneously received nearly £6OO towards the Scott fund, including £lO5 from Mr Anthony Hordern, and £IOO each from Mrs Walter Hall, and the “Sydney Morning Herald.” THE TRIBUTES OF PIONEERS. SILENCE “AN AMAZING ERROR OF JUDGMENT.” SYDNEY, February 12. The “Daily,Telegraph,” referring to the Scott disaster, says: “It represents another of those terrible tributes occasionally exacted from pioneers who go ahead carrying the lamp of science into the boundless region- of the unknown. The debt mankind owes to this type is seldom realised, still more seldom discharged. The regret excited is sharpened through the manner in which the public was deceived regarding the true state of affairs, and foolishly allowed to believe that the members of the expedition were alive and well for some time after the return of the ship. Surely such an item as the destruction of an exploring party should not have been commercialised. Presumably the defence to this ghastly silence is that tho survivors conceived it to be their duty to cany out to the letter the contract entered into by Captain Scott himself. Their motive can be respected, but none the less the silence was an amazing error of judgment.” The “Herald” says that there is something which moves tho human emotions more strongly than can readily be described in this story of ■ a courageous journey. “Amidst tho most terrible privations the goal was reached, priceless scientific data gathered, and then —oblivion.” The knowledge that the end came when - the party was 'almost within reach of succour must flood the brimming sympathy. LONDON, February, 11. Sir George Reid, High Commissioner for Australia, remarked that all knew when farewelling Captain Scott that he had staked his life, “hut concem-

ing this story of hourly terrific struggle, and death, this victory, this sad though glorious martyrdom, that lonely widow speeding onwards to meet her gallant husband, the readiest tongue must be silent.” 1 SORROW AND CONDOLENCES. SYDNEY, February 12. The City Council will forward an official letter to Mrs Scott. The Royal Societv of New South Wales cabled to the Royal Geographical Society in London expressing sorrow. MELBOURNE, February 12. Mr Hughes, Federal Attorney-Gen-eral, on behalf of the Commonwealth, has sent a cable message to Mrs Scott, expressing regret at the loss of her husband. NEW YORK, February 11. Mr Taft and Dr ,Woodrow Wilson have cabled to the King their comlolences in Britain’s loss. ROME, February 11. The Chamber of Deputies has sent a message to the British House _ot Commons, expressing sympathy with Britain in the Antarctic tragedy. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S TRIBUTE. LONDON, February 11. Sir Joseph Ward, presiding at a gathering at the Royal Colonial Institute, to hear a paper by Sir Everard im Thurn, late Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner of the Westeni Pacific, on “Less Known Islands in the Western Pacific,” paid a tribute to the brave explorers who had placed the British flag alongside the Norwegian at the South Pole. CAPTAIN OATES’S SACRIFICE. PETTY-OFFICER EVANS’S WIDOW. LONDON, February 12. Presiding at a meeting of the Royal Humane Society, Lord George Hamilton paid a tribute to the heroes ot the Scott expedition. Captain Oates had sacrificed his life lest he should be a drag on his comrades, and with the hope that ho would give them a better chance to reach their goal. .Potty-Officer Evans’s widow, on receiving Commander Evans’s message, said: “I have the consolation of knowing that my husband died bravely. MRS SCOTT’S HOPES. SAN FRANCISCO, February 11. Before leaving here, Mrs Scott said she expected her husband to succeed in his. quest. She hoped to meet him at one of the New Zealand southern ports. Captain Scott was sure, she added, to suffer bitter disappointment when he found that Captain Amundsen had reached the pole first, hut her husband was a good sailor, and would not begrudge for a moment another s victory. BREAKING NEWS TO CAPTAIN SCOTT’S MOTHER. LONDON, February 11. Lady Ellison-Macartney, Captain Scott’s sister, and wife of Sir William Ellison-Macartney, Governor-designate of Tasmania, broke the news of the chsaster to her mother. The news of his father’s death has not been communicated to Captain Scott’s three and a-half-year-old son Peter, wild is living with his grandmother at Henley, where the flags are flying at half-mast. Shipowners and merchants a.t Cardiff will erect a statue to Captain Scott. There is world-wide sympathy tor the loss of Captain Scott. Resolutions have Feen received from foreign and colonial Legislatures. Topical interest attaches to Mr Ponting’s films of the Scott expedition, ■which are being shown throughout the country. . PEARY’S SYMPATHY. A NATIONAL APPEAL ISSUED. (Received Febrnary 12, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, February 12. The Admiralty passed a minute regretting the loss of Captain Scott and his comrades. It says> that their lives proved the constancy of the resolution wherewith they carried out their duty. The Lords of the Admiralty consider that the loss should be regarded as if they were killed in action. Their story -will be long remembered with honour by the Navy. 'The Geographical Society received a cable from Commander Peary, expressing sympathy with the heroic deaths, and adds: “Their names will be the Southern Cross of Antarctica.” The Exploration Committee of Antarctic Expeditions has issued a national appeal. The “Daily Chronicle” has given £2OOO to tbe Scott fund, Sir James Caird £SOO, Lord Rothschild £250, Commander Peary £2O. THE LONG MARCH BACK. MORE GLORIOUS THAN REACHING THE POLE. (Received February 12, 10.50 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, February 12. Mr C. E. Borohgrevink said that Scott’s achievement in reaching the pole was a glorious deed, hut more glorious was the long march back. / DR. NANSEN’S OPINION. BLIZZARD NOT THE REAL CAUSE. (Received February 12, 10.5 U p.m.) CHRISTIANIA, February 12. Dr. Nansen states that tbe blizzard was not tbe real cause of the disaster, but only the last straw. He is satisfied that the catastrophe was due to the men being weakened by terrible hardship and probably the ravages of scurvy to which Captain Oates’s desperate action is explainable. Another important cause was not using the dogs and ponies to drag the stores. KING HAAKON’S CONDOLENCE. CHRISTIANIA, February 12. King Haakon and Queen Maud have telegraphed King George their condolence. MR MASSEY’S TRIBUTE. NEW-ZEALAND’S SYMPATHY ANX* SORROW. Special to the “Times." MARTON, February 12. At the opening ceremony of the Marton District High School this afternoon, the Prime Minister, Mr Massey, made feeling reference to the tragedy of the Antarctic. He said that it would be most fitting for that gathering at Mars

ton to express its sympathy with the bereaved. The expedition was of more than ordinary interest. It was a national undertaking, and everybody was looking forward with interest to the safe return of the explorers. Providence, however, had decreed otherwise, and tho particulars to hand of the horrible tragedy showed clearly that the brave men had gone to their deaths in keeping with the best traditions of the race. He moved: “That this gathering of Marion citizens desires to express its sincere sympathy with the widows and relatives of the brave men who lost their lives in the South Polar expedition.” The motion was carried in silence. Press Association. 4IAETON, February 12. The Premier received the following from tho editor of tho ‘‘Daily Telegraph,” London; "Responding to Captain Scott’s appeal, the ‘Telegraph’, opens today a national Scott memorial fund, and the editor would welcome a message commending the fund to public support." The Premier replied: “I feel confident that Captain Scott’s dying appeal will meet with generous response from the citizens of tho .Empire, and that adequate provision will be forthcoming for the wives and families of'those who have lost their lives for the glory of the British flag, and who have gone to their deaths in a manner worthy of the best traditions of our race. New Zealand shares in the universal regret.” Mr Massey also requested the Governor to send a cable to the Secretary of State expressing the sympathy of the Government and people. SELF-SUREBNDEE-THE NOBLER PART. When referring to some heroic figures of the times in his speech at teh Methodist gathering at the Town Hall last night, the Rev. C. H. Garland alluded specially to the tragic deaths of Captain Scott and his party. He said that a great sorrow had fallen upon the community, and all were heavy of heart as they thought of the widow travelling to this country while her hutlband and his fellows lay in their solitary graves amid the icy wastes of tho south. People did not seem able to throw it off, and ho did not think they ougnt to try to do so. Nothing better than the brave action of Captain Oates, in walking to certain death so that his comrades might have a chance to win through could be found in tho whole annals of the nation. Neither was there anything finer than the spirit which actuated Captain Scott in keeping his record to the very last. Several limes ho (Mr Garland) had been asked whether it was really worth while for any human being to face such risks, to court such tortures and to woo untimely death. He thought it was, for there was an impulse in . human mature stronger than mere clinging to -life; a longing determination to know all that oould oe known, a self-surrender of the individual in the quest, of knowledge and for the blessing of one’s fellowmen, This was a far nobler thing than idly staying at home and nursing one’s life. These things were not lost to the race. but. on the contrary, gave to it courage, endurance, nobility. SCHOOL INSPECTORS’ SYMPATHY. The New Zealand School Inspectors’ Conference yesterday passed the following resolution, on the motion of Mr E. K. Hulgan, seconded by Mr H. Hill: "That this conference realises the great service which Captain Scott and ius brave companions have rendered to the ca/uso of science, deeply regrets the sad misfortune which has overtaken them» and extends its heartfelt sympathy with tho relatives of the deceased. RESOLUTIONS AT OAMARU AND WESTPORT. Press Association. OAMARU, February 12. A public meetings passed the following resolution: “This meeting expresses profound sorrow at the disaster that has befallen the Antarctic expedition under tho command of Captain Scott in the death of the brave leader and his four companions, and desires to convey to Mrs Scott and the wives and relatives of the others who so heroically laid down, their lives in the interests of science its sincere sympathy in the irreparable loss they have sustained.” WESTPORT. February 12. At a Borough Council meeting to-night, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Councillor McDonald, a resolution was carried of appreciation of the work of Captain Scott and hia party, and expressing sympathy with those who were depending on them. The mover and seconder paid a tribute to tho valour and courage of the men, and stated that as long as Britain produced men of this type there was no need ,to fear the decadence cf the nation. SUPREME COURT ADJOURNED. CHRISTCHURCH, February 12. When the Supreme Court opened this morning Mr Justice Denniston addressing the court said -. “I feel it impossible to step into public business, however important, straight from reading a story of how, in the words of the dead Rader of the party, ‘once more it has been shown that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past.’” His Honor then adjourned the court till the afternoon. TERRA NOVA NEARLY CRUSHED. CHRISTCHURCH. February 12. WhilA on the voyage from the Antarctic the Terra Nova ran into a fog. It was suddenly discovered that there were enarmous icebergs on -both sides of the vessel, which had a miraculous escape, the crew expecting that every minute the .ship would be crushed, Tlie bergs were so close that the slightest movement of the sea seemed likely to bring them together. MRS SCOTT’S BROTHER ON TERRA NOVA. DUNEDIN, February 12. Lieutenant Bruce, R.N.E., brother of Captain Scott’s widow, is one of the exploring. party returning by the Terra Nova.