COMPELLED TO RETURN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 226, 12 February 1913, Page 5

COMPELLED TO RETURN.

FAILURE OF THE DOGS. This relief party reached the One Tod depot on March 3, but was compelled to return on March 10. owing primarily to dog food •running short, and also to persistent bad weather and the poor condition of the dogs after the strain of a hard season's work. The dogs teams returned to Hutt Point on March 16. The poor animals were mostly frostbitten and incapable of further work. Garrard collapsed through an over-strained heart. His companion was also sick. As it was impossible to communicate with Captain Evans, the ship having left on March 4. and open sea lying between. Dr. Atkinson and Keohane, the only two men left, sledged out to Corner Camp to render any help that might be wanted by the southern party. They fought their way out to Corner Camp against unusually severe weather, and, realising that they could be of no assistance, were forced to return to Hut Point, after depositing one week's provisions. In April, when communication with Captain Evans was established, a gallant attempt to relieve Lieutenant Campbell was made oy Atkinson. "Wright, "Williamson and Keohane. This party reached Butter Point, where they were stopped by open water. Their return was exciting, and nearly ended in disaster, owing to the sea ice breaking up. TWO SEARCH PARTIES DESPATCHED. A search party left Cape Evans after the winter, on October 30 last, organised by Surgeon Atkinson, consisting of two divisions, Atkinson taking the dog teams with Garrard and Demetri, and Mr. Wright, in charge of a party, including Nelson, ({ran. Lashley, Crean, rWilliamson, Keohane and Hooper, with seven Indian mules. They [were provisioned for'three months, expecting an extended search. ' One Ton eamp was found in order, and all the provisions intact. ! FINDING THE BODIES. Proceeding along the old southern route, on November 12 Wright's party sighted Scott's tent. Withii! it were found the bodies of Captain Robert Falcon Scott (Roy: ; Navy), Dr. E. A. Wilson (chief of the scientific staff), and Lieutenant IT. R. Bowers (Royal Indian Marine).