The Wild White World.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 39, 14 February 1913, Page 5

The Wild White World.

WHERE THE BRAVE MEN DIED. Narratives of Peril. (Per Press Association.)

Christchurch, February 13

Dr Wilson and Lieutenant Bowers visited Buckley Island, and a large nunatak at the top of the glacier. Here they spent some time making a large collection of fossil-bearing sandstones and also coal in quantity. These fossils should finally settle the age of the latest sedimentary deposits yet found in Victoria Land, and are certainly the best yet obtained in this quadrant. COMMANDER EVANS’ ACCOUNT THE FIRST SAD NEWS. Christchurch, February 13. “We had prepared,” said Commander Evans, “to give the southern party a great ovation. Accommodation was made ready for them, and luxuries got up from the store-room. We steamed rapidly towards our winter quarters, and anchored less than a quarter of a mile from the hut with our colours flying when we could see a large party on the beach waving and gesticulating, and as the anchor was dropped they gave us three ringing cheers, which we answered. [ identified Lieutenant Campbell, next in command to Scott, there' but could not see Captain Scott, and so shouted to him, ‘Are you all well ’ After some hesitation Campbell shouted in reply, ‘The southern party reached the Pole on January 18th last year, but were all lost on the way back. We have their records.’ “This news, of course, we received in silence. It was a tremendous shock to us. We shall regret the loss if the southern party all our lives. Details of that loss you already have, and I need not further dwell on them. “Our boats were lowered from the ship, and the shore party came on board and told the history of the past year. It was full of adventure and exciting detail. WHAT WENT BEFORE, “Now,” said the Commander. “1 may give you a few details of the preparatory work for the southern dash. I took part in it, as you enow; but have so far said nothing, as I did not wish to trench on Cap sain Scott’s records. The scheme of this journey was as follows: “Sixteen tnen were employed in our advance to the Pole. Of these four went ahead, under myself, to pioneer. We took with us two motor sledges and a large quantity of foodstuffs to relieve the ponies of heavy loads for the first fifty miles of the journey. This was between our base and Hut Point, where the sea ice was very slippery, and from; Hut Point to Corner Camp, which consisted of 34 miles of the Barrier with soft snow. We did not want the ponies to suffer in these conditions, of which we knew, and so took the motor sledges in advance. MOTORS FAIL. “Although those sledges did not come up to our expectations, they did succeed in advancing some three tons weight for fifty miles from the base. But in doing so they gave us frequent trouble, from incessant breaking down and overheating. This gave those in charge much discomfort, to put it mildly. The motors, >eing air-cooled, became very hot. Frequently the temperature was, roughly, 8 degrees below zero, and when the motors became overheated we had to wait for them to cool, and wo cooled too. When they g(tt cold we had to heat up the carburetter with a blow lamp to get going again. The whole business was most trying, and we were really thankful when they did break down altogether, although we mended them as much as possible. The last motor broke down at Corner Camp, and the party were really pleased. “Leaving the motors, we took 880 pounds weight off each ton foot sledge, and marching twenty geographical miles a day reached the meeting place appointed by Scott, in latitude 80 degrees 13 minutes. Here we built an enormous snow camp, which we called Mount Hooper, after the youngest member of our party, MEETING WITH SCOTT. “We waited hero a week for Scott to arrive, which he did on November 12th, 1911. Ho had been delayed by bad weather at the start, and when ho reached us he relieved us of most of our weight and sent us a few miles ahead. We erected cairns to mark the return, and did all the navigating and surveying required. Wo were really a pilot party, ami, kept ahead of the main party, and pony party behind ns established do- 1 pots which were approximately one week’s march apart, and ‘marked each with a big black flag. “The various supporting parties returned, and were taken back to, the base at Capo Evans, by Air Day,) Mr Mears, Dr. Atkinson, and Lieu- 1 tenant Evans respectively. « The total distance to the Pole and back by!

Continuing his previous despatch, the following facts will lie of further interest to the public:—

On January 4, 1912, Commander Evans left Captain Scott and his party to continue their journey to the Pole. They marched on an average twelve miles per day right up to the Pole. They reached the Pole on Januaiy 17, about 156 statute miles from the spot where Commander Evans turned back, in 87 degrees 35 minutes. THE FIRST DAY AT THE POLE. The first day at the Pole was cloudy, with mock sun. The second day, the 18th January, was clearer and the sun visible. Sights were taken, Captain Scott using a fourinch theodolite, while Captain Amundsen used a sextent with artificial horizon. Fixing the Pole by the two explorers differed by only half a mile, thus practically locating the same spot. Scott’s observations gave the latitude as 89 degrees 59i minutes. PLANTING THE UNION JACK, The party marched on an extra half mile, by sledge meter, and there planted the Union Jack in latitude 88. They had previously picked up the Norwegian dog tracks, and followed these to the Norwegian camp within three miles of the Pole. The track was obliterated by drift at intervals.

Leaving Buckley Island and going down the glacier, the party passed Mount Kinsey, a magnificent doleritf peak 11,000 feet high, an admirable point to steer by. They reached the small depot underneath the Cloudmaker, an another halt was made for geological investigation. From the side of the Cloudmaker fossils of much greater age were found in limestone. In all, 35 pounds of geological specimens were carefully packed and taken forward by the party right up to'its last camp, and are now ir the possession of the expedition.

From Cloudmaker to the foot o. Beardmore they encountered the same deep-snow surfaces as they found on their way up, which, with the bad weather, severely hampered their march. Throughout the descent the weather was abnormally thick, with snow crystals falling, and the surrounding land was only occasionally seen. THE EXPEDITipN’S ILL LUCK. Scott’s ill-fortune dates from the beginning of Petty-officer Edgar Evans’ failure from the time of reaching the Pole. He was a great anxiety to them on the plateau. In theii descent of the glacier they got amongst very rough ice, and Evans fell, injuring his head and sustaining serious concussion. During the whole of the descent his condition delayed the party, and the surplus food gradually diminished. On February 17, while on the march, his foot worked out of the ski shoe, and he was compelled to fall out and remain behind to readjust his footgear. The party moved along, and, seeing he was not following, they camped and cooked a meal, anticipating Evans would reach the tent when the meal was ready. As he was not .up at that time they went back for him, and found he had collapsed. He bravely tried to go forward, but had to be placed on a sledge. He died a natural death within two hours of reaching the tent. This delay, as Scott stated, made inroads in the surplus provisions, and unduly advanced the season.

The party found all the records and gear left by Amundsen. Sastrugi, from two directions marked the Pole. There was evidence of a slight blizzard since Amundsen erected his tent

The temperature was about 20deg. below zero. The surface, unlike the barrier, was soft, and there was no crust. It was found that snow collected from any depth, on melting, was unlike the Barrier snow, and gave very little water. PHOTOGRAPHS AT THE POLE. Ten photographs of Scott’s party at the Pole were taken. The films were recovered and developed at Cape Evans, and also two photographs of the Norwegian tent, with Scott’s party round it. THE RETURN JOURNEY. The return journey over the plateau was marked by a series of good marches and medium weather temperatures, averaging between 20 and 30 degrees below zero. The marches varied from up to eighteen miles per day to the top of the Beardmore Glacier. Both depots on the plateau, one in 87 degrees south and one close under Mount Darwin, 85.7 degrees south, were secured before descending the Beardmore Glacier.

Scott’s route was 1842 statute miles, and gauging tho speed of the southern party by that of the parties led by Lieutenant Evans and Dr. Atkin-

I son lie should have returned to Hut Point, fifteen miles from the base, on March 10th. Some thought he would return before this date, butj ! having five men as against three in I the last supporting party, a longer; i time might bo required. . NO ANXIETY FELT. “No real anxiety was ever felt for* the sledging parties employed on! the southern journey,” said Commander Evans, “as the organisation and I equipments and selection were so excellent, thanks to Captain Scott’s experience and remarkable ability. “When I was returning, ill with scurvy, my life was very gallantly saved by Lashley and Keeran. We . had then been employed on sledging for six months. CAUSE OF MISFORTUNE. “Captain Scott’s last misfortune was due to weather conditions, which it is impossible to overcome, as was proved only too clearly by the dreadful hardships which brought about the loss of the southern party.” Asked for some particulars concerning the accident which befel Pettyofficer Evans, Commander Evans pointed out that the nature of the ice in the vicinity of where the accident occurred was very rough, and it was often necessary for men to have to climb over steep dill's of ice which were very slippery. Apparently Petty officer Evans met with a difficult spot to negotiate, and he probably slipped and fell on bis head, sustaining concussion of the brain. HOW THE EXPLORERS DIED. Further particulars of the last hours and the deaths of Captain Scott, Dr. Wilson, Captain Oates and Lieutenant Bowers were sought by the reporters, but Commander Evans said he did not wish to go into thos<details at all. He said the particulars already published gave a general idea of the fate of tho men, and lie did imt h>si e lo make the tragod.y more painful than it was by adding more details. THE TERRA NOVA. The Terra Nova will remain at Lyttelton for a month, when she will sail for Cardiff!!. - A number of members of the expedition and officers of tho Terra Nova, including Commander Evans, will leave hero in about a week’s time for England, and the Terra Nova will sail home under command of Lieutenant Pennell. SCIENTIFIC WORK. * On the qqfestion of scientific work done on the run south, Commander Evans made.ffibq following statement: Lieutenant H. H. de Rennick, being the most experienced surveyor, has had charge throughout of tho oceanographical work. During the deep sea soundings, varying in depth from 158 to 3003 fathoms, spaced fairly evenly along our route, an unexpected shoal was found in the middle of Ross Sea, and advantage of this was immediately taken by Mr D. G. Lillie, biologist, who let down the Agassiz trawl, and obtained a rich haul of biological specimens. Mr Lillie has made a further study of tho distribution of tho small organisms which made up the food supply of tho whales between New Zealand and MeMurdo Sound, and while in the Antarctic Sea ho was again very successful in obtaining rich hauls of the Bentick, fauna in depths varying between 40 and 300 fathoms. Lieutenant* Pennell, who is taking charge of the ship on the homeward voyage, acted' as ice master, in addition to his other, duties, which embraced tho important work of all magnetic observations. Dir Nelson, the other biologist, is going Home as junior executive officer* of tho ship, quite a sporting thing to do, as all the other ofljjcers in the ship have had master certificates for nearly twenty years.” I\ COMMANDER EVANS’ NARRATIVE Christchurch, February 13. Press representatives this afternoon interviewed Commander Evans in re-j gard to a number of matters which! have been commented upon in connection with the story of the tragic ex-j pedition as it has been given to the public. Referring to the cable in regard to Professor David’s theory, and ° * 1 which he was made acquainted with, Commander Evans said that Professor David’s statement that the deaths were caused by scurvy was but a conjecture based on sound and practical knowledge of the difficulties attending such a long journey in the polar regions, and with man haulage, but Dr Atkinson, who was in charge of the relief party, was an expert on scurvy, and he states that there were no signs of scurvy. This being so, the deaths were certainly due to exposure and weakness, brought on by the longstrain and difficulty in hauling their sledges over a very soft and bad surface. This, in turn, was due to an unexpected fall in tho temperature.

“It was well known,” continued the commander, “that in the polar region in a very low temperature ice crystals formed a cutting edge, and the friction on the runners of the sledges became very great. The men of the hauling party, pulling a fair load, exerted a strain of 2201 b per man on their traces when travelling in a temperature of zero. With the temperature fallen minus 30, this pull would be more than doubled.” THE INTENSE COLD. Captain Scott’s- message to the public states that the temperature of minus 30 degrees below zero wore frv-

i cribed would be enough to break down \ the party, whatever their physique 1 might be. “We in this expedition,” j continued the commander, “knew the I endurance of the men constituting tho advance party, and vie do not believe any men living could have won through under tiie same circumstances.” MEETING MRS SCOTT. j Commander Evans, referring to Mrs Scott, said: “1 will remain in New i Zealand until Mrs Scott arrives in Wellington, and, with her brother, Lieutenant Bruce, of the expedition, will meet her there.” « THE BODIES OF THE EXPLORERS. Asked as to whether there was any likelihood of the bodies being brought back, commander Evans said: “The best people to judge of that question are those who served with Captain Scott and Ids gallant comrades. They were his constant companions for over two years. Had we ourselves been in the same place as Captain Scott and those who perished with him we could only have wished that our bodies remain at rest where we had given our best efforts in the cause we so earnestly believed in.” BRAVE MEN. Commander Evans then referred to the bravery shown by Chief-stoker Lashley and Petty-officer Krean, after leaving on their return to camp. The trying nature of the experiences which Commander Evans went through is to be found in the fact that on January 7th he was compelled to curtail his entries in his diary for four days. On the following he could only record his experience very briefly, and after that he had to give up altogether. HOW COMMANDER EVANS WAS SAVED. “To two men who were with me, ’ said Commander Evans, “I owe my life, and I do feel that no tribute of their services can ever be high enough.” Early in the journey, Commander Evans was attacked by scurvy, but he endeavoured to withhold-this fact from his companions, and bravely pushed in. The plight of Commander Evans tlien became apparent to them, bow ever, and lie expressed a desire tiiat the men should push on and leave bin; in a tent which they had erected. The men refused to do that, and Com mauder Evans said that he would command them to do so. They then replied that for the first time they would disobey the Commander. Eventually the journey was continued, and Com. Evans succeeded in making some distance under very trying conditions. Eventually everything they were car rying, except what they stood up in. was thrown off the sledge. Commander Evans was then placed on tho sledgi and brought into camp.

Continuing, Commander Evans sarc that those two men would do again what they had already done, and with the same cheerful spirit, and with as little thought for self. “We are not out to praise one another,” added Commander Evans, “but I cannot let tho conduct of these men pass unnoticed,” RECORDS RECOVERED. Commander Evans said that in ad dition to recovering Captain Scott’* diary, the rescue party also found diaries which were kept by other mem hers of the southern party. None of the dairies, however, had been opened Commander Evans said he thought it was right that Captain Scott’s diary should be handed to Mrs Scott just a; it was found by the rescue party, and in the cases of the other diaries lu had decided to hand them to the nearest relatives of their late owners. Consequently no information contained ii the diaries of the men who had reached

the Bole will be available for the pub lie for some time. Every written re cord of the journey had been recover ed.

Questioned regarding publication oi the story of the expedition, which ii the ordinary course of events wouk have been compiled by Captain Scott Commander Evans said that he wonlc arrange the book in conjunction witl other members of the expedition, win had different parts of the story t( record.. Captain Scott’s last book was published by Smith, Elder and Company, and Commander Evans sain that Captain Scott had again arranged with Mr Smith, of this firm, to publish the story of the expedition non brought to a close. “1. desire to carry out Captain Scott’s plans in their entirety, and whatever lie intended to do in the matter,” said Commander Evans. Referring to the extensive ground that will be covered in the book, Command er Evans said that there were sixty men in the expedition, and Captain Scott had a very big scheme in hand In addition to Captain Scott’s journey to the Pole, other exploration parties were led by Captain Campbell and Mr Griffith Taylor, geologist, while a great deal of survey and other work was done around New Zealand and in Antarctic regions by the Terra Nova while the shore parties were at work. Ail these undertakings will be fully dealt with. SEARCH PARTY DISCOVER THE BODIES. “THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD TAKETTT AWAY.” The narrative continues:— Owing to the lateness of the season. and the consequent fall in the temperature, the surface became like sand. It is well known in Polar cli-

quently experienced. It must be oh- | vious that after facing the strain of j sledge travelling for a distance of I more than 1600 miles, to be faced with tiie extra pulling sneJi as 1 have des-

mates that ice crystals, which melt I under friction caused by the sledge I running over them at higher' temperatures cease to do so vixen the thermometer falls to thirty below zero, and become cutting edges. These low temperatures complained of by Captain Scott account for the slowness of his party’s progress. Over: the Barrier the average distance between the depots was sixty-five miles, which, not allowing for bad weather,; meant that the party must average over nine miles a day. The food and fuel in each depot gave full rations at this speed. For a week the best march of the Southern party on the Barrier was approximately nine miles, falling in the later stages to as low as three miles. This failure to maintain the higher speed undoubtedly was due to poor Oates’ failing condition which was a constant tax on the energies of the party, and was rapidly weakening them, and| when they had to face persistent winds and frequent blizzards, the, hopeless nature of the outlook was ( forced upon them, but they never re-' linquished the gallant struggle, and fought on heroically to the bitter end. THE DEATH SCENE. As recorded in the previous des-i patch, the search party found the: tent on November 10th, 1912, half, covered with snow. The sledge with the gear was completely covered, butj the tent was well spread and the inner tent was in place on the poles.' The bodies were identified, and the inner tent placer over them, and a large cairn of snow erected, with a i cross placed on top and the following 'cord left;—

“This cross and cairn are erected over the remains of Captain R. F. Scott (C.V.O.R.HjT.), Dr. E. A. Wilson 'and Lieut. H. R. Bowers (R.1.M.), as a slight token to perpetuate their gallant and successful attempt to reach the Pole. This they did on the 17th January, 1912, after the Norwegians had already done so on 15th December, 1911; also to commemorate their two gallant comrades, Captain L. E. GL Oates, of Inniskilling Dragoons, who walked to his death in a blizzard willingly, about 20 miles south of this place to try and save his comrades beset by hardship; also of Petty-Officer Edgar Evans (R.N.), who died at the foot of Beardmore 1 Glacier. The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” This was signed by all the members. SEARCH FOR OATES’ REMAINS. Dr. Atkinson states that no symptom of scurvy existed. All the records' wore collected and the whole search party proceeded 23 miles south to search for Captain Oates’ body. No trace of it was found near the site of his departure from his comrades, and a cross and cairn were erected, md the following record left on the cairn;—

“Hereabouts died a very gallant gentleman, Captain L. E. G. Oates, luniskilling Dragoons, who, on their return from the Polo on March, 1912, willingly walked to his death in a blizzard to try and save his comrades beset bv hardships.” THE TRANSPORT. Seven mules supplied by the Indian Government were used by the. .search party. Their i rations were good, and the mules made good progress without sinking deeply in the deep snow encountered. On the return they had much heavier going. The chief difficulty in connection with them was that they would eat anyhing except rations. The food of some of them consisted of rope, yarn, tea leans, man biscuits, dog biscuits and tobacco ash.

The weights hauled by ti;e mules were much heavier than those hauled >y ponies, the highest weights at one time being 760 pounds. Their gear, which had been supplied by the lull an Government, showed great forebought, and only had to be altered n very slight ways. Their snow goggles were especially useful and a comr'ort to the animals. The harness was breast harness. Two mules were diot on the Barrier and five returned after doing 350 miles’ hard pulling in temperatures falling to 29 degrees below zero.

There were two teams of dogs, each team of 18, and 22 of which were brought down the first year. All the stores were brought back to the depot it Hut Point. The care of the mules devolved on Chief-stoker Lashley, and his constant attention kept them in order. A detailed record has been kept showing performances of each mule during winter and its travelling during the season. This will bo sent to the Supply and Transport Department of the Indian Government, who trained the mules for the expedition. The health of the search party throughout was excellent. TO RECOVER SCOTT’S BODY. Sydney, February 13. Mr Ernest Davies, an Aucklander, in a letter to the press, suggests that the greatest tribute the peopTb of Australia and New Zealand could pay to Mrs Scott would he to send the Terra Nova, in charge of Sir E. Shackleton, to Antarctica to secure the remains of Captain Scott for burial in St. Paul’s Cathedral. He adds that Great Britain will provide for the bereaved ones’ wants. ‘‘Let us tender to the nation their heroes’ bodies.”

THE RELIEF FUND. Sydney, February 12. The organisation of theatrical performances through Australia in aid of the Scott fund is progressing. A NEWSPAPER TRIBUTE. Melbourne, February 12. The Argus, in the course of a tribute to Captain Scott and his party, says that all died nobly. The picture particularly of Captain Oates walking out to his death in a raging blizzard to save his fellows will ever remain stamped on the minds of all readers of this heart-stirring record. Referring to Captain Amundsen capturing the Pole, it says that Captain Scott knew before he started that he might be anticipated in this unexpected manner, but it did not seem that he had a moment’s thought of sacrificing in any way the scientific value of his achievement merely to increase the chances of winning the race to the Pole. It concludes: “For the moment all thought of what he has won for science is lost in sorrow at the international loss of a fine sa’lor, an enthusiastic devotee of science, a gallant British gentleman and four companions, truly worthy of him and the highest traditions of the race.”

* PAINFUL FEATURES. Christchurch, February 13. Commander Evans, being pressed for intelligence, expressed the hope that people would not be so insistent for details of circumstances which had so many painful features. He desired to alleviate the distress of the relatives of the deceased explorers as far as possible. The publication of harrowing details, he repeated, would do no good to anyone, but would open up the wounds of the dear ones of those who had lost their lives as heroes should. MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. Captain Evans has received the following cables:—“Chicago.—Deep sorrow at the loss of comrades. Congratulations on the expedition.—Amundsen.” London.—“We have opened a fund for the dependents of the Polar heroes. Giving £slooo ourselves.—Editor, Daily Chronicle.” Adelaide.—“On behalf of the State of South Australia and the Governor, I express the deepest sympathy in the terrible catastrophe which has befallen your leader and his shipmates. -Sincere congratulations on the splendid behaviour of every member of the expedition.—Bosanquet.” London.—“ Deepest regret and admiration for the heroism displayed. The London Geographical Society heard with profound grief of the lamentable disaster of Scott and his comrades, which is everywhere regarded as a national calamity. I offer sincere sympathy to the remainder of the party.” PETTY OFFICER EVANS. Wellington, February 14 wl By an accident Petty Officer Evans was all but prevented from leaving with the Expedition, and was only able to join the ship at the last moment at the final port. Had he, failed, as it turns out, the Expedition would probably have won through safely. WIDOW EVANS. (Received 9.30 a.m.) ' ] ,ondon, February 13. A service will be held at Portsmouth Dockyard Church to-morrow, when the Antarctic Expedition Committee will hand Petty-Officer Evans’ widow the money to provide herself and children with mourning anfl immediate necessities. RESOLVE OF A BRAVE MAN. (Received 10.45 a.m.) London, February 13. Pouting, interviewed, narrates the fact that Captain Oates told him that if' he roke down on such a journey as the Polar Expedition, the. proper tiling to do would be to deliberately sacrifice his life and not become a burden on the others.