SOUTH POLAR EXPLORATION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 277, 13 April 1911, Page 5

SOUTH POLAR EXPLORATION

DR. MAWSON'S EXPEDITION. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright London, April 11. Dr. Mawson dwelt on the meteorological features of the work he hoped to do, also the possibilities of predicting the weather in Australia and the desirableness of establishing a meteorological station in Adelie Land and to the westward. Major Leonard Darwain, who presided, predicted that Captain Scott's expedition would produce splendid scientific work. Regarding Captain Amundsen, he said that while no explorer had any vested right by exploration, and all foreign competition in the Antarctic •was welcome, he regretted that Captain Amundsen did not give an opportunity of discussing his plans before he left Europe. He was glad the most cordial relationship had been established between the Norwegian and British expeditions. It must not be supposed that the grant of £SOO measured the society's goodwill to Dr. Mawson's expedition. Sir George Reid paid a tribute to Dr. Mawson's pluck, knowledge, and devotion to pure science. The Australian Government had helped a number of British expeditions. Why should not the British Government help Dr. Mawson's? The Geographical Society had done far more for Dr. Ma'.vson's work than giving £SOO. It had endorsed his project. Lord Lamington, formerly Governor of Queensland, emphasised the probable result of the mineral discoveries of Sir Ernest Shackleton. and warmly wished Dr. Mawson success.