Notes

Abstract

BAD news is to hand from the Australian Antarctic expedition, under the leadership of Dr. Mawson, for two members of it have lost their lives. These are Lieut. Ninnis, an Englishman, and Dr. Mertz, a Swiss member of the scientific staff. The manner of their death is not stated, and, indeed, the whole message, which has reached Australia from the wireless telegraphic station established by the expedition at Macquarie Island, leaves us anxious for further information. It may be recalled that the expedition, reaching the Antarctic region in February of last year, was divided into two parties, under Dr. Mawson and Mr. Wild respectively, which landed about 143° E. and 95° E., in Adelie Land and Kaiser Wilhelm Land. It is known that valuable scientific work has been done, and that a considerable extent of coast-line has been charted for the first time. The vessel of the expedition, the Aurora, returned to Australia after landing the parties, and made a second voyage to the south to bring them off. It was thought that Dr. Mawson was aboard her, but apparently he missed her, owing to “unfortunate circumstances,” which are not specified, and will have to remain in the south for another year, with six of his staff. For the rest, after mentioning the unhappy loss above referred to, he merely adds that there has been a successful sledging season, “opening up a large area of new land, both east and west of Commonwealth Bay, and obtaining important data at a number of stations in close proximity to the magnetic pole.” But in view of what has befallen, anxiety must remain for many months as to the welfare of this party.