FURTHER DETAILS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 227, 13 February 1913, Page 5

FURTHER DETAILS.

WORLD-WIDESYMPATHY. THE TERRA NOVA'S VOYAGE. AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. ' THE DEAD MEN'S DIARIES. SEALED FOR THE PRESENT. Christchurch, Last Night, A committee of the officers of the Terra Nova made a statement to the press this afternoon. Commander Evans states that after tiie ship left Lyttclton in December they did not encounter the pack ice at latitude 60 as anticipated. This was not met till G9.20. A stowaway was discovered and transferred to it Norwegian barque, the captain of which promised to land the man. Huinmockv ice was met at 71.35 deg.. and the engines were stopped. The ice was rapidly melting, and the ship was successfully worked through, and made the passage to Cape Evans, which was reached on January IS. A large party was seen on the beach. Lieutenant Campbell was distinguished, and was asked by Captain Evans if all were well. Lieutenant Campbell replied that the southern party had reached the Pole and perished on the return journey.

When the boats were lowered the shore party communicated to the ship's crew what had transpired during the past year. The rest of the day was given up to reading correspondence, etc. •Captain Evans was not inclined to give any information with regard to the tragic portion of the expedition, nor would lie allow his fellow officers any latitude in this direction. The press had to be content with pieces of what had occurred on the original trip south. in which Captain Evans took part for a portion of the journey. He spoke feelingly of the gallantry of those members who had lost their lives.

Referring to the journey south, Captain Evans said that sixteen men were employed. Four went ahead to pioneer the way. These were Day, Lashly, Green and Commander Evans. The motor sledges did not come up to the expectations of the party. They frequently broke down, and became overheated. much to the discomfiture of the men. When the last motor broke down the party were really pleased. Fifteen geographical miles were made per day after this.

Captain Scott arrived at their camp on November 21, 1011, and relieved them of their weights. The total distance to the Pole and back by Scott's route was 1842 statute miles. Scott should have reached it by March 10. Lieutenant Rennick, who had charge of the oceanographic work, took a great number of soundings, the greatest being 3003 fathoms. Lieutenant Pennell will command the ship on the homeward voyage. The diaries of those who perished will not be published, but will be sent by the officers of the expedition to the relatives of tlie deceased. Captain Scott's story will be completed by Commander Evans, and published by Smith, Elder & Co., but will not come out for some time yet, as sixty men were employed, and their memoirs, together with 'the work performed on the New Zealand coast, will be embodied.