MR WRAGGE'S COMMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 23

MR WRAGGE'S COMMENTS.

DOUBTERS DENOUNCED.

GREYMOUTH, September 10.

Mr Clement Wragge, the astronomer, who is at present on a visit to the West Coast, writes as follows to the Greymouth Argus re the discovery of the North Pole : : "I, as a scientific man, wish to enter my emphatic protest against th.c absurd jealousies and bickerings rampant among the adherents'of Dr Cook and Commander Peary. Interesting scientifically though the journey has been, such miserable and petty feeling is calculated to bring the whole business into disrepute By what right has doubt been cast on Dr Cook's observations? Surely he knew how to apply the corrections for refraction! As well question 'Shackleton's observations! For God's sake let us be true to our nationality, and treat every man as honest 1 till the .reverse has -been conclusively, proved. In the light of the eternal universe, and the name of noble science, *what does it matter '~Vho first set foot on the Pole.' Englishman though I am, I trust I should/ he .Ifce Jast to refuse honour to a fellowman when honour is due, no matter what his nationality/ W» are all brothers, or ought to be. As a Fellow- of the Royal Geographical Society •of over 35 years' standing, I regret that" the society has apparently snubbed Dr Cook, and that Admiral Naves has seen fit to apply the minus sign without further knowledge. Petty jealousy, of which as to results I have had much experience, is most utterly contemptible .and disgusting, and is beneath any man who claims to be a true scientist."