THE ANTARCTIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 257, 20 March 1913, Page 5

THE ANTARCTIC.

SCOTT'S EXPEDITION.

A "THRILLING STORY" PROMISED.

By CaXle—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, March 10. The Federal Government has decided I to contribute £2OOO to the Scott fund. Evans informed Mr. fisher that it was the intention of the expedition to present the Commonwealth Government with a complete record of -expeditionary publications, this would include the history of the expedition, largely written by Captain Scott, in his own words, folio charts now being constructed, a series of volumes containing the principal scientific results and copies of important photographs. If the financial position permitted duplicate copies 1 would be presented to the principal universities and public libraries in Australia.

Commander Evans stated that he had nor wish at present to break the silence, hut since it had been reported to him that the. public in Australia desired to know all they couid reasonably expect to know concerning the fortunes and vicissitudes of the explorers lie felt impelled to say something which had not yet been published about the work of the expedition. The whole story, when unfolded, would prove of thrilling and absorbing interest. It would be handed to the public about Christmas time. It would be very largely in Captain Scott's own words. His diaries were very complete, and it would be difficult' to improve upon..them, but there were many expeditions other than the one led by Captain Scott, the accounts of which would prove interesting. London, March 18. The Royal Geographical Society will present Lady Scott with a casket containing her husband's gold medals. It has awarded the patron's medal to Dr. Wilson, and a gold watch to Lieutenant Campbell. FURTHER INTERESTING DETAILS. Melbourne, March If). Commander Evans added that had Captain Scott been spared to return he would have been delighted at the results of the various sledging expeditions. No doubt one of the main objects was to reach the Pole first and to secure for the British nation the honor of this great achievement, but Amundsen's success in no way disconcerted the expedition. The specimens brought back br Captain Scott's party would prove of priceless value to science. Had Scott's companions not been so eajrer to preserve every record and specimen they might have reached One Ton Camp. Taking into consideration the climatic conditions it was very doubtful whether, if the specimens and records had been placed in depots, they would all have been recovered. Tn that case the value of Captain Scott's journey would have been very much diminished.

It was hard to say whether if Captain Seott had reached One Ton Camp he would have been able to return safely to the base. Winter had set in, the temperatures were appallingly low. sledge hauling was dreadfully difficult, and there was darkness for twelve hours daily. He could hardly believe that any party which had accomplished what Captain Scott's did would have reached the base 155 miles a way.

Questioned as to whether members of the expedition desired to bring back the bodies. Commander Evans declared that he knew the dependents of those who so gallantly gave their lives in tly* cause of scientific research were unanimously of opinion that the bodies should remain where they were found. Thero was never any question among the members of the expedition about this. Those who found the bodies were the best judges, as thev lnd been the constant companions of the southern nartv. "None of lis." said Commander Evans, "could conceive of a better grave than the .heart of the eountr*' ■where we had <riven our best efforts in the cause all so earn >stly believed in."