The Polar Tragedy

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 232, 19 February 1913, Page 5

The Polar Tragedy

THE KAISER SYMPATHETIC. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. London, February 17, The Kaiser lias sent a message to King George, expressing his profound sympathy with and sincere admiration for the Antarctic heroes. Prince, Liehuowsky conveyed to Sir Edward Grey the condolences of the German Government. VALUABLE SCIENTIFIC RESULTS. PECULIAR POLAR CONDITIONS. Sydney, February 18. Professor David, dealing with the suits of the Scott expedition, said that until the whole records were published it was premature to attempt to estimate the vastness of their scientific value. Amongst the most interesting, from both the scientific and economic standpoints, were; the meteorological observations, which showed that there was probably a very definite plan of circulation governing the atmosphere round the Pole; in other words, a definite hnb to the meteorological wheel from which all the Antarctic, storms radiated. Both Scott's and Amundsen's records showed that at the Pole scarcely any wind blew, and very little snow fell, the reason probably being that the Pole was situated near the centre of the great high-level eircunipolar aerial malestrom which carried the higher portions of the atmosphere along at a rapid rate from west to east, at the same time slanting gradually in a spiral manner towards the Pole and delivering the air straight downward on the top of fhe high plateau near the. Pole itself. The air accumulated on the surface of this plateau, and from time to time vast air avalanches produced blizzards. These Antarctic disturbances were far reaching, and exercised considerable influence on the weather of Australia and New Zealand. When the whole observations, along with Dr. Mawson's. were worked out they would throw a flood of light on the whole theory of the circulation of the atmosphere in the Southern Hemisphere, and should prove'of untold value to shipping and a variety of other interests, where the safety of life and business profits were concerned. Professor David also anticipated valuable results from the geological and biological discoveries. Tests of the coal should prove whether the vast coalfield was of sufficient economic, value to be worked and used.

FALLACIES EXPLODED. Sydney, February 18. Professor David, referring to the statement that if Dimitri had been allowed to make a final dash he might have saved some of Captain Scott's part)', declared that the public did not realise the conditions in Antarctica. Garrard and Dimitri had been marching for a fortnight, and were exhausted. To have gone on would have meant death. Everything possible, under the circumstances was done by all the members of the expedition.

THE TERRA NOVA. HER FUTURE ITINERARY. Christchurch, Last Night. The members of the British Antarctic expedition are at present busily engaged in making preparations for their early departure for England. Mr. Fran cis Drake, secretary of the expedition, will leave on Thursday by the Moeraki for Sydney, where he will join the Otranto for Toulon and London. He will probably be accompanied by Lientenant V. Campbell. R.X. Commander E. R. G. R. Evans. R.N"., will leave for Wellington next, Tuesday to meet Mrs. Scott, who will arrive in Wellington from San Francisco by the Aorangi on Thursday, the 27tU inst. Lieutenant W. M. Bruce, R.N.R., brother of Mrs. Scott, will also go north next Tuesday night to meet his sister at Wellington. Mrs. Scott and Lieutenant Bruce will go to Sydney to join the P. & 0. steamer Medina for England. Commander Evans and Mrs. Evans will leave next week for Sydney to join the Otranto for London. Dr. Atkinson. Lieutenant, Gran, and Messrs. Wright. Priestly, Debiubam, Cherry and Garrard will also travel to England by mail steamer.

Commander E. R. 0. R. Bvnns, R.N., informed a reporter to-day that arrangements for the homeward passage of the Terra Xova had practically been completed. The vessel will he dry-doe'eel shortly, for refit and cleaning and painting, and, after taking in coal supplies, she will sail from Lyttelton for England on March 15. She will leave with about 500 tons of coal on hoard, and will proceed on a great circle "track from Lyttelton to Magellan Straits, and will make a call at Punta Arenas, in the Straits. Thence she will go to Rio do .Tnniero for bunker coal, and on to Cardiff. According to the programme, mapped out. the Terra Xova will leave Punta. Arenas on April 20, and Rio de •Taniero on May 25. and she is expected to arrive at Cardiff on July 11. The above dates are approximate only, and, if she is ready in time, the Terra Xova will sail from Lyttelton on an earlier date than March 15.

She will proceed under steam and sail, and it is possible that she will improve on the dates mentioned on her homeward passage, if the weather conditions are favorable. The programme has been arranged on a speed allowance of 120 miles per day. and the distances are approximately: Lyttelton to Straits of Magellan, 50S0 miles; Punta. Arenas to Rio de .Taniero to Cardiff, 5080 miles; total. 11,500 miles. The time allowed for the passage is 80 days, and the object is to get the Terra Xova to England as quickly as possible, but, if opportunity offers, soundings will be made and dredgings for plankton and other forms of sea life will lie taken on the passage. Lieutenant IT. L. L. Pennell. R. X.. will be in command of the Terra Xova for the passage to England, with Lieutenant 11. F. De P. Renwick, R.X.. second in command. Mr. A. f'heetham will act as second male, and Messrs. ft. Xelson and 1"). <"!. Lillic. biologists to the expedition, will travel Home in the Terra Xova. Mr. M. Williams. R.X.. will continue as chief engineer, and Mr. W. llorton. R.X.. as second engineer. All the Royal Xavy men in the crew and most of the merchant service seamen at present on hoard will go to England in the Terra Xova.