SCIENCE CONGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 197, 9 January 1913, Page 5

SCIENCE CONGRESS.

PROFESSOR DAVID'S ADDRESS. ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, January 8. Professor David, in his. presidential address, spoke on the Australian climate past and present, with special reference to the Arctic and sub-Antarctic factors in its control. Professor David denied that Captain Amundsen stole a march on Captain Scott. The latter was well aware that Captain Amundsen intended to make a dash for the Pole. Although the scientific results of such a dash as Amundsen's would not bulk as large as Scott's, yet the geographical, meteorological and oceanngraphical results were of extreme and unique interest. Professor David was of the opinion that there was scarcely a shadow of doubt that Captain Soott. after desperate struggles from which Amundsen, through his superior knowledge and experience, was exempt, had readied the Pole.

He recalled the fact that Lieutenant Evans was attacked with scurvy a fortnight after parting from Captain Scott and his companion-, who were making a final dash to the Pole. Professor David said that Lieutenant Evans considered that the attack was due to eating pemmican, whereas Captain Scott and his companions had been using fresh meat. It was improbable, therefore, that any

member of the Pole party had been attacked by scurvy, though there was some little anxiety on the point. Referring to Dr. Mawson. Professor David said that Dr. Mawson's great ambition was to make good the work which had already been begun on the south magnetic pole by Sir Ernest Shackleton. The Macquarries supplied valuable data for forecasting the weather in Australia and New Zealand, especia'.ly the latter. A joint arrangement should be made by which Australia and New Zealand would keep up the Macquarries wireless station for this purpose.

climatic ciiax(.f.s. Received January 0. 1.5 a.m. Melbourne, January S. At the Science Congress. Professor Howehin, lecturer on geology at Adelaide University, in his presidential address in the geology section, said that there was convincing proof that the climate of central and south centra'i Australia had changed much for the worse within recent times. From being a well-watered and productive country it had become arid and riverless.